Denmark boss Brian Riemer is not surprised to see Rasmus Hojlund doing well at Napoli now that he is in a ‘well-functioning team’ again.
The 22-year-old is on loan with the Serie A champions from Manchester United after a difficult two seasons with the Red Devils.
His time in England saw him score 26 goals in 95 appearances, in all competitions, but struggle to make an impact in the Premier League especially.
Last season he scored just four goals in 32 top flight outings, which led to his summer exit, returning to Italy having joined Manchester United from Atalanta in 2023.
Things are going very nicely for him in Napoli, scoring four goals in his first six games for the club, with Antonio Conte’s team sitting top of Serie A again.
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Riemer says we are seeing the best of Hojlund again because Napoli is a better team than Manchester United, taking aim at the striker’s former teammates at Old Trafford.
On whether Hojlund can still succeed in England, Riemer said, via TipsBladet: ‘I think Rasmus has the quality for both leagues, without discussion.
‘Does he fit in Italian football? Yes. There was no doubt about that, because he had already proven that. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t fit in English football. On the contrary, I would almost say.’
He added: ‘The fact that he is now on a well-functioning team and has players around him who take pride in doing good for others helps to make the outcome for a striker like Rasmus, who needs to be serviced. It is more important than which league you play in.’
Hojlund, who has linked up with former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay and Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne at Napoli, also pointed to the fact he is now part of a successful side, while he wasn’t last season.
‘Not much has happened other than me getting into a good football team,’ he said of his return to form.
‘I’ve played a lot and it’s been going really well. I’ve felt fit and sharp. I’ve made sure I was ready and I did a lot of things off the pitch in my summer break to be ready for the upcoming season.’
He added: ‘It’s of course great to be in such a period. In my position, I’m basically there to score goals. That’s my job. When I go onto the pitch, I have extra faith in things, and I’m of course happy about that.’
Riemer will be hoping Hojlund continues his fine form in two big World Cup qualifiers for Denmark this week.
The Danes first travel to take on Belarus on Thursday before hosting Greece on Sunday, in a competitive group which also features Scotland.
His club manager, Conte, said of Hojlund after he scored in a 2-1 win over Genoa last weekend: ‘He’s a 22-year-old who was on the sidelines at Manchester United.
‘He has significant room for improvement, he needs to work because he has the potential to become a star, and he’s proving it.’