Pierre-Emile Højbjerg: Le Gladiateur de Marseille

To win in football, the midfield battle is key. This contest can be won in many ways, using diverse player profiles. Yet, most managers will tell you that balance is the one thing they crave from their midfielders.

Whether it’s a two-man or three-man setup, the players in the engine room must complement each other’s styles well. The best midfielders don’t just elevate their own performances; they bring out the best in those around them. There are many who excel in this regard, but few are doing it as consistently and as effectively as Pierre-Emile Højbjerg.

Background

Born in Copenhagen, Højbjerg quickly stood out, joining Bayern Munich at 16, where he became their youngest-ever Bundesliga debutant and earned Pep Guardiola's praise. After loan spells in Germany, he moved to Southampton in 2016, where he became captain, and later to Tottenham Hotspur in 2020. Now at Marseille, he’s cemented his place as the engine of their midfield since arriving this past summer.