BBC pundit lauds Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg after Tottenham goal vs Everton

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Garth Crooks has told BBC Sport that he is not sure why he was so surprised to see Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg score Tottenham Hotspur’s second goal on Saturday, insisting that the midfielder has been so consistent for some time.

It was Hojbjerg who sealed the three points for Spurs against Everton. The midfielder was left in acres of space on the edge of the penalty area as Rodrigo Bentancur switched the ball to the Dane.

Hojbjerg had plenty to do after his first touch allowed the Everton players to get around him. However, he did not panic. And he managed to lift the ball into the far corner to double the lead.

It was a finish Harry Kane or Son Heung-min would have been proud of. However, it was only his seventh league goal since joining Tottenham.

Crooks has admitted that he did not expect to see Hojbjerg produce such a composed strike. But on current form, he deserves more respect, according to the pundit.

Crooks surprised by Hojbjerg

“Had Amadou Onana or Demarai Gray retained the slightest composure in front of goal Everton could have come away with something,” he told BBC Sport.

“Hojbjerg on the other hand showed the control and composure, not always associated with the Denmark international, to seal the points for Spurs in a 2-0 win. I don’t know why I was so surprised, Hojbjerg has been a brilliant addition to the team and quietly consistent for some considerable time.”

Hojbjerg has had to win over some of the supporters at Tottenham. He was arguably one of the only success stories during his first campaign with the club.

His form came a bit more scrutiny at the start of last season. But the formation of his partnership with Bentancur in January has made such a difference to the balance of the Spurs side.

So it was fitting that it was the pair linking up in the latter stages of Saturday’s game to seal the win.

Tottenham meanwhile, are going under the radar, much like Hojbjerg. It may actually surprise some to learn that Spurs are on the same number of points as Manchester City.

It feels as though Tottenham are yet to hit top gear. Obviously, the fans will want to see another level reached at some stage. But it is extremely encouraging that the results keep coming.