Waynne
Full Member
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2014
- Messages
- 2,187
This is actually very interesting for the system. And with a bit of fine tuning I think he's got the ability to be a great focal point at centre forward where he will receive passes in dangerous zones and bring others into play.
And that is a skill that the likes of Kolo-Muani and Osimhen haven't demonstrated, with both players being better at running in behind rather what I feel ten Hag is looking for in a centre forward, where holding the ball up and bringing others into play as well as pinning the opposing centre back is a requirement. And on top of that, Hojlund is also someone who is good at running in behind the back line.
So if we can play out of a press comfortably and have a focal point who can receive passes under pressure with his back to goal and bring others into play, that will make a difference in possession. And Hojlund's intensity off the ball can also be channeled into pressing intelligently within coordination with the rest of the team.
He's still a young lad and I really hope he improves his aerial ability which has the potential to make him even more dangerous as a centre forward. But as far as profile goes he's got the attributes to develop into a very good striker that will score goals and help the team as a whole score more goals and play higher up the pitch.
He's a much better version of the donkey that is Weghorst.
Add in Onana's ability to fire balls straight into a target man's feet high up the pitch in threatening areas and you have a recipe for a United team's flexibility to bypass the high press either by long balls or build up play from the back.
2 signings has given Ten Hag some added flexibility in build up play.