
EBL
@EBL2017
The requirements to be a top class #9: - Athleticism, - Work rate, - Determination to score, - Ability to strike the ball, - Technical quality, - Ability to create separation, - Positional discipline. Højlund ticks every box here - Manchester United fans, stop doubting him.
Højlund has had a difficult time as of late, but that's probably something got to do with the fact that United's record under Ruben Amorim has been pretty abysmal.. Not to mention how limited they are in the build-up, in the press, and in offensive moments where they lack speed.
So often United try to build, get pressed, and end up lofting loopy & hopeful balls in the general direction of Højlund. Sorry, but you have to drive the ball into his feet or into competitive areas for him to compete in the air. Hanging it up for defenders makes it impossible.
It's also clear that even when United do get the ball into Højlund's feet that they lack numbers and quality in and around him. Is there anybody in United's squad with unstoppable speed outside of Rashford? The attack is limited. Not to forget that they only transition with 3..
United have also consistently struggled to get pressure on the ball. When you struggle to build, press, and transition with quality well then you're really struggling because that's every phase of the game... Højlund hasn't been perfect, but conditions are key to succeed.
We can talk about how others have excelled regardless of structural issues (like Amad, for example), but that's mainly because he was always a good player who has only been given a chance recently. And the system suits him at both wingback and in the half space in the front 3.
But let's not act like Amad has been some sort of unstoppable force. He has been top, but in moments when United suffer in games his influence dwindles, but that's normal because the collective's job is to empower the individual. Højlund is not one I would criticise much.
His attitude has been a little bit questionable at times which has been my only disappointment with him. Sometimes he sulks or throws his arms up in the air at teammates. I do not like those traits, especially when things are not going well. Leading by example is the solution.