Ahead of his expected first Premier League start of the season, Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s professionalism has been praised by Ange Postecoglou. With Yves Bissouma serving a one-match ban after his red card at Luton, Hojbjerg is likely to be included in the Spurs lineup for their upcoming match against Fulham on Monday.
Despite being heavily linked with a transfer away from Tottenham during the summer, the Denmark international remained at the club, with Fulham showing interest on transfer deadline day. However, no move to either Fulham or Atletico Madrid came to fruition.
Hojbjerg’s season has seen him start only once in the Carabao Cup, but he has been a crucial contributor off the bench in seven out of eight Premier League fixtures under his new head coach.
“I don’t think there was any time during the transfer window where I thought Pierre would move,” Postecoglou insisted.
“The discussions I had with him were that he was here and wanted to contribute, he wanted to be part of what we were building.
“It is obvious someone that has played regularly would have wanted to play more but ultimately our performances have been strong and he has had to bide his time.
“He has also been very important in a lot of the games that we’ve won late or had to shore up late. He has been one of the people who has helped us and it is not like he hasn’t contributed at all. He’s been a really important part for us.
“We wouldn’t be in this position if we were just reliant on our starting XI.
“It is something we impress on all of the guys that as disappointed as you are at not starting, it doesn’t mean you are not playing. You are still playing at some point and what you do with those minutes will help us be successful and push your own cause.
“With Pierre, he is a professional and very determined to win a spot in the team. He presents himself well every day and over a 38-game season all of these guys will get an opportunity at some point. What they do with that is up to them.
“In the meantime, what is important is if they want to keep getting opportunities, they have to train well and when they do play, whether they start or not, they contribute to the team.”
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