A big night for Manchester United loanees saw Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund start in the Champions League.
Danish international Rasmus Hojlund was handed a big task on his second game in a Napoli shirt, to lead the line against Manchester City at The Etihad.
It was a big opportunity for the Manchester United loanee, days after he netted on his Napoli debut against Fiorentina at the weekend.
His big night against City turned into a damp squib, with Pep Guardiola’s side winning 2-0.
Hojlund backed for Napoli success
Despite his blank at The Etihad, there are high hopes in Italy for the former Atalanta striker.
Sky Italia journalist Fabio Caressa told TMW that he believes Rasmus Hojlund can be a major player for Napoli in the future.
Caressa acknowledges that he comes with some baggage from his Manchester United experience, but believes he is comparable to two top strikers, including former Red Devils forward Romelu Lukaku.
He said: “Hojlund comes from difficult years, but if he’s used to his full potential, he combines Lukaku’s physicality with some of Osimhen’s qualities.
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“He’s not both, but he has characteristics of both. He has the legs and physical strength that really make a huge difference in Italy.”
A difference in Italy, but not a difference in England
Rasmus Hojlund and Napoli’s loss at Manchester City was an illustration of the gap between the two leagues, with the Serie A champions coming up short.
Hojlund struggled in the Premier League for Manchester United and did not score against City in any of his games for the Red Devils against Pep Guardiola’s side.
But can he be a major player in Serie A? Quite possibly. Hojlund has experience for Atalanta, and has started well with his debut goal.
Hojlund has praised coach Antonio Conte, and it will be fascinating to see if the Italian manager can improve him.
The comments from Sky journalist Caressa compares him to Napoli’s lead striker Lukaku, and their former hero Osimhen – a high bar for the Dane to reach.
Crucially he makes the point that Hojlund must fulfil his potential to reach these heights, he is not there just yet, as his performance against City demonstrated.
Rasmus Hojlund
