Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund has named former Manchester United defender Chris Stalling as the toughest opponent he has faced so far.
Hojlund is currently being linked with a summer move to Manchester United are his breakthrough season at Atalanta, just one year after joining the Italian club as a new signing. The 20-year-old had only left his native Denmark and he quickly made a name for himself in Italy.
Prior to his switch to Italy, Hojlund played 21 times for Sturm Graz across all competitions. He showed early promise by hitting 12 goals to help the side finish second in the table. A year on he was breaking into the Atalanta side and could now be on the verge of joining United.
Hojlund scored eight goals in 21 Serie A matches as Atalanta finished fifth in the league last season. They sealed a European spot but the young Danish striker could be looking forward to Champions league nights at Old Trafford.
Reflecting on his first – and possibly last – campaign in Italy, Hojlund named his toughest opponent yet as AS Roma defender Chris Smalling.
“Chris Smalling from Roma gave me the biggest problems,” Hojlund told Tuttosport.
“He’s an intelligent, agile, fast, physically strong defender. I tried to win duels with him by using my physical strength, but it wasn’t the winning move. I still have to find the right key to overcome it.”
Hojlund and Smalling went head-to-head in Atalanta’s 1-0 win over Roma back in September. The Dane set up the winner in the first half before being substituted at half-time.
Meanwhile, Smalling has made a name for himself as one of the best defenders in Serie A. Hats off to him.
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