Rasmus Hojlund: Antonio Conte hails striker’s display despite 2–0 defeat to Bologna | OneFootball

What a bright start to the season Rasmus Hojlund enjoyed.

In his first 10 appearances for club and country, the Manchester United loanee grabbed eight goals, looking sharp and confident.

But just as he seemed to have rediscovered his mojo, a thigh injury struck. The setback sidelined him for three Napoli fixtures, halting his momentum at a crucial juncture.

Hojlund returned with hopes of picking up where he left off, but things have not quite clicked.

He has failed to register a goal or assist in his last three starts, the latest coming in Napoli’s 2–0 defeat to Bologna.

Some Napoli fans are already growing impatient, with murmurs suggesting Romelu Lukaku better be back sooner rather than later.

Conte defends Hojlund

Head coach Antonio Conte, however, has been quick to defend the United man.

Speaking to DAZN, as quoted by The Metro, the former Chelsea boss said after the Bologna loss:

“I didn’t mind Højlund today, perhaps the best player on the pitch.

“He attacked the depth and held his own, but if the performance is judged solely on goals, it becomes relative.

“We had prepared a few things; we should have supported him more.”

Conte doubled down on his praise, adding:

“Lucumi struggled to control him. Rasmus handled several balls well; we were lacking elsewhere.

“I thought his game was good.”

It is encouraging to see Conte stand firm behind Hojlund. The lad’s been through a lot over the past year; it would be unfair to throw him under the bus now.

Napoli’s creative void

Napoli have not looked themselves in recent weeks. They are clearly missing Kevin De Bruyne’s influence and are even considering signing Kobbie Mainoo, who is viewed as the Belgian’s alternative.

The ex-Manchester City playmaker made a bright start to life at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, instantly becoming the side’s creative heartbeat.

Without him, Napoli have struggled to carve out chances with the same fluency.

Hojlund might be putting in the graft, but with the team struggling, his efforts have borne little fruit.

Still, there is hope that after the international break, things will begin to shift.

If the Partenopei can rediscover their spark, they might reignite Hojlund’s goalscoring touch and with it, their Scudetto defence.

Featured image Maurizio Lagana via Getty Images

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