Paul Robinson claims summer signing proves Mourinho ‘has an eye’ for players

Paul Robinson has hailed Tottenham’s capture of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in last summer’s transfer window labelling the Dane as the signing of the season while also insisting that the midfielder’s acquisition proves Jose Mourinho’s ability to spot talent.

Hojbjerg was the first player to arrive through the door at Spurs last summer but his signing did not create as much excitement in the fan base as some of Tottenham’s other acquisitions.

In fact, some pundits even questioned if the 25-year-old was good enough to help Spurs challenge for the top four.

However, less than a year into his career in North London, Hojbjerg has established himself as one of the first names on the Tottenham teamsheet.

Not only has he demonstrated a fantastic ability to read the game and make interceptions in the base of the Spurs midfield but he has also quickly evolved into one of the leaders in the side, with Mourinho even labelling him as ‘a captain without the armband’.

His importance to the Tottenham side is demonstrated by the fact that the former Southampton man has made has won more defensive duels (263) than any other player in the Premier League (Wyscout).

When the stat was put to Robinson, the former Spurs goalkeeper told Football Insider: “It shows that Mourinho has an eye for a player.

“He knew what system he wanted to play and he knew Hojbjerg was the player he needed to be able to do that.

“Hojbjerg for me is the signing of the season. I was surprised and underwhelmed by his signing at the beginning last summer but he has proven himself to be one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe and that stat proves it.

“He has been a great signing for Tottenham. Every time he is fit he plays. Mourinho trusts him.”

Spurs Web Opinion

When Hojbjerg arrived, plenty of Spurs fans questioned if the Dane is really a defensive midfielder given the more advanced role he played in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s system at Southampton. However, it is clear that Jose saw in him the attributes needed to play as the defensive pivot in front of the back four and the Spurs boss deserves credit for it.

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