Rasmus Højlund – What Coaches Need to Know About the Young Danish Striker
If you follow the Premier League, you’ve probably seen the name Rasmus Højlund pop up on the scoresheet or in transfer rumors. The 21‑year‑old Danish forward has gone from a promising academy player to a talk‑of‑the‑town striker in just a few seasons. In this guide we break down his career, his playing style, and what coaches can do to get the most out of a player like him.
Career Highlights
Højlund started at FC Copenhagen’s youth set‑up before moving to Italian side Atalanta in 2021. He made an instant impact in Serie A, scoring 8 goals in his debut season and helping Atalanta push for a Champions League spot. A loan spell at Sturm Graz gave him regular minutes and sharpened his finishing, adding another 12 goals to his tally.
Manchester United snapped him up in the summer of 2023 for a reported £70 million. The Red Devils saw a raw, athletic forward who could stretch defenses with his speed and win aerial duels. In his first half‑season at Old Trafford, Højlund found the net 5 times, mostly as a substitute, showing he can adapt to the Premier League’s pace.
One of the recent headlines involved his absence from a Manchester United match against Fulham, where Emile Smith Rowe scored an equaliser. The drop‑in hinted at ongoing transfer talks, but it also reminded fans that Højlund’s availability can swing a game’s outcome.
Coaching Tips for Using Højlund
1. Play to his pace. He thrives on quick transitions. Set‑piece routines that release him onto the run can catch defenders off guard. A simple long ball from the back often gives him space to use his 6‑foot‑2 frame to hold up play or flick it to a trailing midfielder.
2. Use his aerial ability. Højlund wins over half of his duels in the air. Encourage full‑backs to deliver low, driven crosses. Even a congested box works for him because he can time his jumps well.
3. Build confidence with one‑on‑one chances. Young strikers can lose momentum after a few missed shots. Give him clear, isolated opportunities in training drills – a pass and a finish from the edge of the box – to keep his composure high.
4. Pair him with a creative midfielder. Players like Bruno Fernandes or Marcus Rashford can supply the through‑balls Højlund loves. A partnership that mixes vision with his speed creates constant threats.
5. Manage his workload. The jump from Serie A to the Premier League is tough on the body. Rotate him wisely, especially after games with heavy pressing, to avoid fatigue that can lead to dips in form.
Coaches who understand these points can turn Højlund into a reliable goal‑scorer rather than a flash‑in‑the‑pan talent. Remember, his development isn’t just about raw numbers; it’s about fitting him into a system that maximises his strengths while protecting his weaknesses.
In summary, Rasmus Højlund offers a blend of size, speed, and finishing that few young forwards possess. Whether you’re a youth coach looking for a role model or a senior manager planning the next match, keeping an eye on his progress—and applying the tips above—can give your team a real edge. Stay tuned to NY Sport Coaching Hub for more updates on Højlund and other rising stars in the game.
Kieran Lockhart, Jul, 31 2025
Manchester United are working on a swap deal with RB Leipzig for striker Benjamin Sesko, potentially involving Rasmus Højlund. Leipzig see Højlund as an ideal signing, but with no European football, convincing players to join is tough. United hope to negotiate Leipzig's high asking price, as Sesko leans towards a move to Old Trafford.
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