Rasmus Hojlund: The Danish goalscorer who idolises Cristiano Ronaldo
Rasmus Winter Hojlund is not one of the most recognisable names in European football.
A graduate of FC Copenhagen with Austrian side Sturm Graz, the young Dane is making a name for himself in European football with Atalanta (eight goals and one assist in 25 games), opening the door to a starting berth in the national team.
A four-time Denmark international, he was called up for the group stage of the Nations League but failed to earn a ticket to the World Cup in Qatar.
His return from international duty earned him another opportunity and Hojlund did not waste it.
After starting two games for Denmark, the 20-year-old striker has scored five goals, making him the top scorer so far in Euro-2024 qualifying.
Against Finland he was decisive with a hat-trick, while against Kazakhstan he scored twice.
Hojlund was the talk of the town and comparisons with Erling Haaland (21 goals in 23 games for Norway) were inevitable, also due to the geographical proximity of Denmark and Norway, but both are quite different.
Haaland is a pure finisher, more in the area, whereas Rasmus Hojlund has a remarkable physical stature (1.91 meters), but is more mobile while not being as composed in the box.
Nevertheless, he has demonstrated that finishing ability by appearing in the right areas to put the ball in the back of the net. This is also the player's most prolific season - he has eight goals, the most he had previously scored was six with Sturm Graz.
The idol Ronaldo
Speaking to Serie A's official channel, Rasmus Hojlund admitted that Cristiano Ronaldo is his great idol.
"My idol is Cristiano Ronaldo.
"My father told me about him when he was at Manchester United and then later at Real Madrid. It was a fantastic cycle. I just love his mentality... he's always eager to score in every game.
"I admire him. He's passionate and I like that", said the forward, who also acknowledged his taste for Manchester United: "I'm a fan of the club, it's one of my great tastes, but that doesn't mean I would turn down other big clubs".
