At this crucial juncture of the season, when all the spotlight is on the green pitch of the San Siro, AC Milan's clash with Genoa is more than just an ordinary contest, it is a ticket to the Super Cup. For Stefano Pioli's Rossoneri, tomorrow's showdown is more like an investment rehearsal for the future, with all eyes falling on a young talent in a Genoese shirt - Frundrup.
In this fateful 35th round of Serie A, Milan's goal is clear and determined: to secure second place in the league and claim a place in the Italian Super Cup. This is not only a desire for points, but also a reaffirmation of the belief in revival. However, the battle was not an easy one, and without the cheers of the fans, Milan had to show extraordinary tenacity and intelligence against a desireless and free Genoa.
In Genoa's lineup, Gudmundsson and Retegui on the attacking line, although there have been rumors with Milan, are not the team's top priority at the moment. The Icelandic is Milan's city cousin Inter Milan's favourite, while the Italian-Argentine mix is the focus of Napoli's rivalry with Juventus, and both seem to be no longer what Milan need at the moment. What really makes Milan and even many European giants excited is the midfield star Frendrup. The 23-year-old Danish has a contract with Genoa until 2028, and his consistent performance and growth potential make him an even more attractive target than the previous two. His presence, like a clear stream, reminds people how the true midfield master switches between attack and defense at both ends of the pitch, and how to control the tempo of the game without being obvious.
Morten Frendrup, a rising star in Danish football, quickly made a name for himself in international football with his exceptional talent and performances. Born on 7 April 2001, he is 178 cm tall and plays as a midfielder who currently plays for Genoa FC in Italy. As an outstanding product of the Brondby youth system in Denmark, Frendrup's football journey began in his home country, and in 2018, at the age of 16, he stepped onto the professional stage and made his debut as the youngest player in the team's history, which was not only an honour, but also an affirmation of his talent and hard work.
In January 2022, with a desire to stage at a higher level, Frendrup crossed borders and joined the historic Italian football club Genoa. Here, he quickly adapted to the high intensity and tactical demands of Serie A, and so far he has made 85 appearances for Genoa, contributing not only four crucial goals, but also six exquisite assists, showing his versatility at both ends of the pitch.
Especially in the 2023-2024 season, Frendrup's defensive performance is impressive, with 128 tackles at the top of the Serie A steals list, with an average of 3.9 tackles per game, far ahead of the second-ranked Atalanta player Ederson's 78 tackles, an achievement that not only highlights his dominance in midfield, but also makes him one of the most high-profile defensive midfielders in European football. In addition, he was also excellent in one-on-one scrambles and interceptions, ranking 4th and 6th in the league respectively, which is further proof of his defensive intensity in the game.
Morten Frendrup's all-round performance in the 2023-2024 season is not only impressive for tackles and interceptions at the defensive level, but also his contribution on the offensive end should not be underestimated. Despite being a defensive midfielder, he has shown his attacking talent in limited opportunities, scoring two goals and providing five assists during the season, which is a rare offensive output for a player known for defensiveness. Such statistics not only show his awareness and ability to step forward to participate in the attack at key moments, but also prove that his transitional role in the team as it transitions from defense to offense is crucial.
In terms of game control, Flendrup averaged 47.5 touches per game, a figure that illustrates his activity on the pitch and his centrality in the team's tactics. As a midfield commander, he was frequently involved in the distribution and passing of the ball, ensuring the smooth running of the team. His passing accuracy rate is 80 per cent, which not only reflects his precise footwork and good vision, but also means that he is able to effectively link the front and back of the team, maintaining the team's attacking tempo and organisational efficiency.
In terms of chance-creation, Flendrup averages 0.4 dangerous shots per game, which is not a top-notch statistic, but for a player who focuses on defensive tasks, every dangerous pass can be the key to breaking the deadlock. Not only can he intercept opposition attacks when defending, but he can also tear apart opposition defences with precise passes at the right time to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
In terms of individual matches, Flendrup's dueling success rate reached 62%, which not only shows his strong fighting power in one-on-one situations, but also shows his excellent fitness, agility and counter-fighting skills. Whether it's aerial ball scrambles, ground grappling, or using his speed to get rid of his opponents, he shows maturity and composure beyond his years.
In addition, he averaged 3.9 steals, 1.3 interceptions, 1.4 fouls and 0.9 clearances per game, all of which combined to paint an all-round midfield image that was active in every corner of the midfield, both disrupting opposition attacks and actively participating in defensive reconstruction. The 0.9 dribbles further proves that he is not only a defensive expert, but also has a certain ability to push forward with the ball, and can break through the opponent's defense in the middle of the field and open the way for the team's attack.
Morten Frendrup, a young and promising rising star in football, has shown maturity and extraordinary talent beyond his years in the in-depth analysis of professional websites. Despite maintaining a rare humility in character, once he stepped onto the pitch, he transformed into a passionate fighter and won the attention with his defensive prowess. His ability to interpret the game is superb, as if he has a sixth sense to anticipate the intentions of his opponents, and he is always in the most needed places at the most critical moments, executing precise interceptions time and time again, not only thanks to his football IQ, but also a deep understanding of the game.
Speed is a sharp sword in his arsenal. With his incredible explosiveness and ability to sprint consistently, Frendrup deterred opponents who tried to break through him. Like an impenetrable defence, he quickly filled the space, cut off the passing lanes, and frustrated the opponent's attacking attempts. Combined with his outstanding physical strength and strong physique, he was able to maintain a high level of performance until the final whistle even in high-intensity competitions, a stamina and perseverance that is rare among his peers.
When it comes to teamwork, Frendrup shows a high level of responsibility and reliability. He never skimps on physical strength, and continues to run to cover the whole field, not only as the backbone of the defense, but also as a bridge between attack and defense. He always takes the initiative to find open spaces and provide safe and reliable passing options for his teammates, and this selfless team spirit makes him indispensable in the team.
Despite his impressive strengths, experts have also pointed out areas where Frendrup needs to improve – his technique and accuracy with his long passes. Improving control of the ball and improving the accuracy of his long-distance passes in quick transitions will be an important step in his path to the top midfielders. This is not only a technical challenge, but also a test of mind and experience.
Strikingly, the professionals have compared him to world-class midfielder N'Golo Kante, which is undoubtedly a high recognition of Frendrup's current achievements and great expectations for his future. N'Golo Kante, known for his ubiquitous movement, excellent tackling ability and emerging attacking talent, has a striking resemblance to Frendrup in some of the key qualities. Although they are not the biggest players, they have built an impregnable barrier in midfield with speed, intelligence and relentless effort, and gradually moved towards a more well-rounded midfield master.
Morten Frundrup's football journey has only just begun, and the potential he has shown and what he has achieved is full of imagination. If he can continue to improve and continue to polish his technical shortcomings, it is entirely possible for him to become an all-round midfielder like N'Golo Kante who has left a deep mark on world football in the future, bringing more surprises and excitement to fans.
Frendrup's height may not be an advantage, but intelligence and skill on the football field are never limited by size. Every interception and every pass he makes reveals maturity and calmness beyond his years, and his value in Germany is only 10 million. Super cost-effective, a midfield commander who can connect the whole field and inject fresh blood into the team is what Milan needs.
However, Milan's favour is not alone, with Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa in the Premier League, as well as Napoli in Serie A, already on the radar. In the battle of tomorrow, Frendrup is not only Genoa's hope against Milan, but also an excellent opportunity to test his value and attract higher stage attention.