100m in less than 11 seconds! Rasmus Hojlund shows he is the ‘new Haaland’

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 14 Feb 2023 14:01 GMT
• 4 min read

Hojlund by name, Haaland by nature.

There was a moment during Atalanta’s 2-0 win over Lazio on Saturday when Denmark wonderkid Rasmus Hojlund showed why he is very much worthy of his tag as the ‘new Erling Haaland’.

Hojlund latched onto a counter-attacking pass from Ademola Lookman well inside his own half. He raced away from two Lazio players before kicking the ball into space ahead of Elseid Hysaj and Luis Alberto.

PROFILE: Who is Rasmus Hojlund?

Despite giving Lazio’s two final men a head-start of at least 10 yards, Hojlund surged through the middle of his opponents like a bullet train speeding through two platforms. It was a truly remarkable sight.

Unfortunately, Hojlund couldn’t crown this special moment as he saw his one-on-one shot saved by Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel. This robbed him of one of the most iconic goals in recent Serie A history.

However, the episode left everyone in no doubt that we were watching a truly phenomenal talent.

Hojlund enjoyed an outstanding game as he ran a Lazio defence that has been one of the tightest in Serie A this season absolutely ragged.

He scored one and went close on numerous other occasions.

Despite only just turning 20 this month, Hojlund is a giant in a boy’s body.

Just like Haaland, he stands at 6ft 4in and is so strong that he regularly bullies defenders physically, holding up the ball with his back to play expertly.

But he is also technically brilliant. Just like Haaland, he boasts a lovely left foot but also has the ability to dribble and run with the ball.

His finishing is nowhere near up to Haaland’s level yet, of course, but in 2023 he has really exploded in Serie A.

Hojlund has scored five goals already in the calendar year and has forged a mouthwatering partnership with fellow summer signing Lookman. This has led Atalanta into the top four of Serie A.

Hojlund is certainly now in the conversation for most exciting Under-21 striker in Europe along with the likes of Goncalo Ramos, Benjamin Sesko and Evan Ferguson.

His Football Transfers ETV value has doubled since the start of the season, and it can be expected to soar in the coming months and years.

What did Gasperini say about Hojlund?

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini could not hide his excitement about Hojlund after Atalanta’s win in Rome.

“Hojlund has this spirit, energy, intensity, but also technical quality that is just remarkable,” Gasperini said on Saturday.

“He still has so much margin for improvement, too.

“He has very similar characteristics to Haaland, not just his face.

“He is so quick, he’s under 11 seconds over 100m and that’s not even trying very hard.

“Considering his height, he has a low centre of gravity and can move his legs very fast. I am convinced he’ll have a great career, he just gets stronger every day.”

It is no surprise that Hojlund is now being linked to every big team in Serie A, as well as top Premier League sides. This is a player set for the top.