“If you want to achieve big things, you need 11 leaders on the pitch” – This was said by Højbjerg during his first interview as a Spurs player. He was the first of seven signings made by Mourinho this summer. While Højbjerg was on Spurs radar for some time, almost everyone were baffled by the 15m price tag for the Saints midfielder. It was however partially justified by sending Kyle Walker Pieters the other way for 12m, making the net spend only 3m. Spurs had never replaced Dembele who left to China in January 2019, till the arrival of Højbjerg.

Whether he can fill those shoes is something only time can tell. Let us analyse the early life of Højbjerg in Spurs colours.

Playing Style

Primarily, Højbjerg is a defensive midfielder who breaks up the opposition play and recycles the ball. However, he is not just a sideways passer. His progressive passing is one of his strong abilities. At Old Trafford, Højbjerg dished out an assist to Aurier, which underlines his eye for forward passes. The pass was so pinpointed that Aurier couldn’t mess up the opportunity if he wanted to. In Spurs system, Højbjerg brings another important aspect to the game. After Walker left for Manchester City and Rose’s form went for a toss, full backs suddenly became Spurs’ weakness from their strength. In Doherty and Reguilon, Spurs have bought two very much attack minded full backs, who leave the defence very light. Højbjerg chips in as a third centre back in these situations, which allows the wing backs to go on their run down the flanks without worrying too much about leaving defence open.

Statistics

While it is too early to judge a player by the stats of very few games, it surely gives us a glimpse of what to expect. Højbjerg has played more minutes in all competitions than any other Spurs player this season. He has not missed a single minute in this Premier League campaign – Something no other Spurs outfield player can boast of. Højbjerg has made more passes (589) than any other player in the division. He has also made the most number of tackles (17) by a Spurs player. In 2019-20, Spurs’ goalkeepers had to make a total of 140 saves (3.68 saves per game). In contrast, Lloris has made just 15 saves in 7 matches (2.14 saves per game) after Højbjerg’s arrival to the squad.

Qualities

According to a source of Athletic, most of the Spurs players were amused at the intensity and seriousness displayed by the Dane. He is a very vocal guy on the pitch and gives sharp orders to his colleagues. It therefore, does not come as a surprise that he was given the captain’s armband at Southampton at a very early age of 23. Hugo Lloris, the Spurs captain believes that the midfielder has had a big impact in the sauad because of his personality. He goes on to say that Højbjerg shows ability and quality everyday, and pushes the whole team. In the 21st minute of the European match against LASK, Højbjerg had a head clash. However, he came back on the field sporting a heavily bandaged head. He went on to perform a double pirouette in first half, which was later referenced by Mourinho while jokingly calling him as Zidane.

It is of no doubt that Højbjerg filled an important hole in the Spurs squad. But he also brings much more to the table. His defensive contributions are now directly visible. He is now the most undroppable player in the Spurs squad. With matches coming thick and fast from mid-November, he has the opportunity to underline his worth.