Mikkel Damsgaard: Running the Rule Over Brentford’s Danish Magician
He’s been around for so long, it’s easy to forget that Mikkel Damsgaard is still just 24 years old. Damsgaard was 17 when he made his debut for FC Nordsjælland, 19 when he left his motherland and joined Serie A side Sampdoria for €5.7 million, and 20 when he became the youngest Danish player to score in a Euros match. Just a few weeks later, Damsgaard would open the scoring in the semifinals with a sensational free kick, only for England to storm back and win 2-1 in extra time.
Despite missing the bulk of the 2021/22 campaign with a thigh injury, Damsgaard’s impressive displays for club and country would lead Brentford to sign him for €15 million in August 2022. And after two somewhat challenging campaigns in London, Damsgaard is making a name for himself at Brentford and emerging as an influential figure in the Bees’ attack under Thomas Frank.
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Attacking Contribution
Damsgaard is not just a midfielder; he’s a genuine threat in the attacking third. Known for his ability to find the back of the net, he often positions himself cleverly to score from various situations. His vision on the field allows him to create numerous scoring opportunities, not just for himself but for his teammates as well.
His capacity to unlock defenses with incisive passes or well-timed movements into the box showcases his offensive flair. Despite a small frame, the Dane has tenacity in his attacking play, especially on the ball, which is necessary in Brentford’s system.
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Playmaking and Ball Distribution
The young Dane has a remarkable knack for dictating play. He’s often seen at the heart of Brentford’s build-up, orchestrating attacks with his passing range. Damsgaard’s ability to switch play or find the killer pass that bypasses multiple defenders is a testament to his playmaking qualities.
He’s not just about keeping possession; he’s about using it to advance the team’s position, making him a pivotal figure in transitioning from defense to attack. His capacity in creative play stretches across the thirds, as he’s capable of performing both in deep and in advanced zones.
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Defensive Work Rate
One of the surprising aspects of Damsgaard’s game is his defensive contribution. For someone with such an attacking mindset, he shows a commendable work rate off the ball. He’s not shy about tracking back, engaging in tackles, or covering space to disrupt the opposition’s rhythm.
This defensive diligence adds another layer to his game, making him a versatile asset in the midfield. Even in his attacking duels, Damsgaard is reliable in the press/counter-press, creating advantageous sequences for his side, a part of his game that has improved significantly since his move to the Premier League.
Tactical Versatility
Damsgaard’s adaptability is one of his greatest strengths. He can play in a more advanced role, orchestrating play from the front, or drop deeper to help control the game’s tempo. His ability to adapt to different tactical setups, whether it’s a possession-based approach or a counter-attacking style, makes him invaluable. His presence on the pitch allows Brentford to fluidly change their strategy as the game demands.
Areas for Growth
While Damsgaard has shown immense promise, there are aspects of his game that could be enhanced. Increasing his involvement in the final third through more direct dribbling or positioning could amplify his impact/output. His decision-making in one-on-one situations could evolve, potentially leading to more successful challenges against opposition defenders.
Mikkel Damsgaard is a midfielder who blends creativity with tactical intelligence and a surprising defensive acumen. His ability to influence games both with and without the ball makes him a modern-day central midfielder in the truest sense.
As he continues to adapt to the Premier League’s demands, his growth in direct goal contributions and personal ball progression could see him become one of the league’s standout players. His journey in England is one to watch, as he possesses all the attributes to thrive in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.
Data Analysis
Damsgaard has demonstrated an above-average goal-scoring prowess, notching 0.12 non-penalty goals per 90 minutes, which places him in the 73rd percentile among his peers. This figure isn’t just a testament to his ability to find the net but speaks to his positioning and instinct in the final third.
His non-penalty expected goals (npxG) at 0.11 per 90 suggest he’s converting chances at a rate that’s slightly above expectation, showcasing efficiency over volume. His total shots, while median at 1.12 per 90, indicate he’s selective, choosing moments to shoot wisely rather than incessantly.
The narrative of Damsgaard’s season, however, truly unfolds in his playmaking. His assist rate is nothing short of exceptional, with 0.37 assists per 90 minutes, ranking him in the 96th percentile. This isn’t just about luck or teammates’ finishing; his expected assisted goals (xAG) of 0.32 per 90 further cements his status as one of the league’s best at setting up goals.
The combination of npxG and xAG gives him a total of 0.43 per 90, placing him in the 90th percentile, a clear indicator of his dual threat in attack. His contribution to the team’s play isn’t limited to the final third. With 7.17 progressive passes per 90, Damsgaard is in the 93rd percentile, a testament to his vision and ability to shift the play forward.
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His progressive carries are similarly impressive at 2.37 per 90 (80th percentile), showing he’s not just a passer but can also advance play with the ball at his feet. Yet, his pass completion percentage of 73.8% is somewhat low at the 5th percentile, possibly reflecting a higher risk approach in his distribution, aiming for those game-changing passes rather than safe, lateral ones.
Damsgaard’s involvement in the attacking penalty area, with 2.12 touches per 90 (65th percentile), and his reception of progressive passes at 3.80 per 90 (77th percentile), paints him as a central figure in Brentford’s offensive strategy. His shot-creating actions, at 3.74 per 90 (75th percentile), further underscore his role in orchestrating attacks.
On the defensive end, Damsgaard’s work ethic is commendable for a midfielder of his ilk. His tackling rate of 2.87 per 90 (70th percentile) shows a willingness to engage in the less glamorous side of the game, backed by interceptions at 1.18 per 90 (64th percentile). His blocks and clearances add another layer to his defensive contribution, ensuring he’s not just a passenger when Brentford loses possession.
However, his aerial prowess is less pronounced, with only 0.56 aerials won per 90 (38th percentile), suggesting that while he’s versatile, the sky isn’t his domain. Yet, his success in one-on-one situations, with 1.62 successful take-ons per 90 (87th percentile), means he can often bypass defenders on the ground, adding an element of unpredictability to his game.
Conclusion
In summary, Mikkel Damsgaard’s season has been one of growth and influence. His stats tell the story of a player who’s not just participating but actively shaping Brentford’s fortunes. His blend of creativity, defensive diligence, and an eye for goal marks him as a midfielder with both feet firmly planted in the Premier League’s competitive landscape, with room yet to grow into the aerial battles and perhaps refine his passing accuracy. His journey in the league promises to be one of continual evolution and impact.
By: @free__flowing
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Nicolò Campo – LightRocket