Covering comments from footballers during international breaks sometimes throws up characteristics of a certain generation with a country. Denmark at the moment really stands out as being somewhere which is producing not only talented young footballers, but impressive young men too.
In stark contrast to Nicklas Bendtner, who is now 28 years old, players such as Christian Eriksen, Kasper Schmeichel, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Andreas Christensen and Viktor Fischer all seem to have very responsible and sensible outlooks towards their careers.
The current international break has given a chance for the youngsters to speak to their own media and there’s been a range of comments which only serve to underline the quality of the footballers.
Middlesbrough’s Viktor Fischer has been speaking to Tipsbladet, and is happy with his start against West Ham: “It was a chance to prove that it was my place. I have worked insanely hard in training.
“It was a golden opportunity to prove that I can be something else, and I can give something to the team. It went really well, but there are also many things that need to be improved.
“I think I can do both well, both on the left and at 10. It depends on who is playing in the other positions, but of course there are differences in positions. If you want to be an accomplished footballer, you must be able to know the nuances and differences in the two positions.
“There is a big difference between playing with one or two strikers. Especially in the Premier League. It requires some physique that I don’t have by nature. It’s other things I need to work on. But if there is a strong striker beside me, I have some other skills that can complement. It has succeeded well in the national team so far.”
It’s not just the pitch that Fischer is so conscious of. Since signing for Middlesbrough from Dutch club Ajax, the 22 year old has tried to understand his new home, and the fans who attend the Riverside.
“It’s very different. It’s a port city, once a coal mining and factory town. They can feel a game. It’s part of wearing the club crest every weekend. You know the types who come to the stadium, and we know that it’s workers who love their football team. We’re just trying to deliver everything we can to make them and us content.”
If Fischer’s football can match his talking, and there no reason it can’t, then Middlesbrough made a very wise addition during the summer.
