Analysis of EURO 2021: A seemingly unremarkable Denmark goes to the tournament with a strong team

Denmark has not been a football power for a long time, which is why it is considered by many experts to be the dark horse of the Euros. It has grown up a great generation, in what line-up will the Red and Whites go to the tournament?

Goalkeepers: Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester), Jonas Lössl (Midtjylland), Frederik Rønnow (Schalke)

The number one goalkeeper is the son of the iconic Peter Schmeichel, Kasper. As Leicester City’s number one, he has no competition in the national team. He is backed by Jonas Lössl and Frederik Rønnow.

Defenders: Jens Stryger Larsen (Udinese), Simon Kjær (AC Milan), Andreas Christensen (Chelsea), Joachim Andersen (Fulham), Daniel Wass (Valencia), Mathias Jørgensen (Copenhagen), Joakim Mæhle (Atalanta), Jannik Vestergaard (Southampton), Nicolai Boilesen (Copenhagen)

Denmark have been playing a four-defender system in recent months, more specifically in a 4-3-3 formation.

Simon Kjær, who had an excellent season at AC Milan, has a certain place in the midfield. The position next to him is tied between Jannik Vestergaard and Andreas Christensen. If it was decided on current form, the Chelsea defender would definitely win, but of course the decision is up to the coach.

For the outside backs, it seems clear. Atalanta’s Joakim Mæhle operates on the left side, the right flank belongs to Daniel Wass. The coach relies on both of them in most of the important games and both of them deserve a place in the lineup with their performances.

Midfielders: Mathias Jensen (Brentford), Christian Nørgaard (Brentford), Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (Tottenham), Thomas Delaney (Dortmund), Anders Christiansen (Malmö), Christian Eriksen (Inter Milan), Mikkel Damsgaard (Sampdoria), Robert Skov (Hoffenheim)

Even in midfield, coach Kasper Hjulmand can rely on a proven trio. The defensive-minded Pierre Emerick Hojbjerg has had a great season at Tottenham, with the experienced Thomas Delaney playing alongside him.

The most offensive midfield position is occupied by the biggest star of the selection, Christian Eriksen. He has become a key player for Inter Milan in the second half of the season and helped a lot to the championship title.

From the bench, the skilful Mathias Jensen and Christian Nørgaard from Brentford can liven up the game. Both have featured regularly in his jersey and are excellent both going backwards and forwards.

Forwards: Martin Braithwaite (Barcelona), Andreas Cornelius (Parma), Andreas Skov Olsen (Bologna), Yussuf Poulsen (Leipzig), Kasper Dolberg (Nice), Jonas Wind (Copenhagen)

The three-man attack can be put together in many ways. From the left wing, Martin Braithwaite most often destroys opponents’ defences. Although he is sometimes ridiculed in Barcelona, he is one of the leaders in the national team.

In the middle we can already say Leipzig icon Yussuf Poulsen. With Leipzig, he has risen from the fourth tier to the German elite. At club level, he scored 18 goals (11+7).

The third spot will be fought for. The biggest favourite is youngster Andreas Skov Olsen from Bologna. He has helped his national team with three important goals in the recent past. Other alternatives are Robert Skov or Jonas Wind.

Key success factors: Defence as before and Eriksen’s form

The Danes rely on a reliable defensive unit, and have scored a single goal in their last four games, whether Christensen or Vestergaard came on at stopper alongside Kjaer. It is through an impenetrable defence that the way out of the group lies.

The performance of Hjulmand’s squad also depends heavily on Christian Eriksen. The skilful midfielder is not only the executor of all standard situations, but also the leader of the whole team with the ability to pull his teammates to above-average performances.

Quarter-finals

Source: Livesport