Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is probably the first name on Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team sheet.
The captain has played in each of Southampton’s fixtures so far this season and has worn the armband throughout, leading his team into battle and displaying the tenacity that makes him such a good fit for the manager’s style.
Hojbjerg was among Saints’ best players last term; after a reasonable start under Mark Hughes, Hasenhuttl’s influence was evident.
The midfielder has reclaimed his place in Denmark’s starting line-up and is now an integral player for both club and country.
However, there is undoubtedly a sense that there is far more to come from Hojbjerg, who has yet to hit top form despite his breathless approach and importance to Hasenhuttl’s plans.
The skipper has by no means had a poor start to the season, but perhaps a little more was expected of him after such a breakthrough under the boss in the second half of last term.
Hojbjerg has pressed intelligently and turned in some resilient displays, but his showings have not yet matched those of his fellow midfielder Oriol Romeu, who has been a standout performer for the team in the opening couple of months.
In fact, it is arguable that the Dane’s best outing of the season came in the unfamiliar role of left-back, as he filled in for Ryan Bertrand in the 1-0 win away at Fulham in the Carabao Cup.
Hojbjerg is, without doubt, one of Southampton’s most important players, and he displayed this in the recent win over Portsmouth. After a shaky first half, he grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and dictated the tempo of play, selecting passes calmly and driving the team forward when possible.
What now awaits the captain is a difficult test away at Tottenham. Few will expect him to win the midfield battle against the likes of Tanguy Ndombele, but it is a golden opportunity for Hojbjerg to once again prove his quality and portray just why he is held in such high esteem by his manager.
Hasenhuttl will be relying on the likes of Hojbjerg to lead by example in what promises to be a physically-demanding outing in North London. Perhaps today is the day for him to truly kickstart his season.
