Summary
Patrick Dorgu’s performance during Denmark’s 5–0 Lithuania has received a lot of appreciation.
During his early days at Manchester United, the left-back faced criticism.
Dorgu demonstrates excellent potential, drawing praise and comparisons to top left-backs for his abilities.
If Manchester United is serious about digging themselves out of the hole they’ve dug, they must handle the transfer market with greater determination – and, more importantly, begin making the most of the players they do sign. That certainly true to Patrick Dorgu, who had bursts of brilliance but eventually appeared like a deer in the headlights for much of his early Old Trafford career.
The 20-year-old’s Premier League debut was a nightmare, as he was sent off in the first half against Ipswich Town after signing from Lecce for £25 million in January. A succession of disappointing performances followed, culminating in harsh criticism for a dismal showing in April’s Manchester Derby. For many fans, he became another emblem of United’s scattergun recruitment strategy, with the club seemingly tossing the dice rather than reflecting on their decisions to develop a successful team.
At the time, he was regarded as only another swing and miss. Dorgu, who now plays on the left side of a midfield four, has gained confidence and calmness, approximating the man United believed they were signing. His recent performance in Denmark’s 5-0 demolition of Lithuania only fueled the fires of his redemption story, as those early reactions from fans are already fading like milk in the midday sun.
How Patrick Dorgu Performed During Denmark 5-0 Lithuania
The 20-year-old continues to improve every facet of his game
Denmark ripped past their opponents with alarming ease on Tuesday night, with Brian Reimer’s team firing 30 shots on goal in a performance in which the attacking players deservedly received the most of the credit. While it’s easy to overlook those in charge at the other end of the pitch, Dorgu was able to establish his dominance over the game.
The left-back played the entire 90 minutes, winning seven of his ten ground duels, one of his three aerial duels, completing 46 of his 50 pass attempts, making three vital passes, and creating two major chances for his teammates. It was a hardworking performance from a guy who has always received an A for effort but has struggled to consistently match that enthusiasm with execution until recently. View his complete match statistics below:
Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of the footballers who excelled during Sir Alex Ferguson’s glory years was the pride with which they played for both the club and themselves. The mindset in some of United’s finest dressing rooms was almost mythical, but post-Fergie lineups have frequently lacked the same blood, sweat, and tears as their predecessors.
However, Dorgu appears to be a player with those traits that United is looking for. The kid, who sprints up and down the left wing for both club and country, is currently making huge gains in his skill development and increasingly appears to be the Luke Shaw successor Old Trafford’s decision-makers had hoped for.
How The Danish Press Reacted To Dorgu’s Performance
Man United supporters have also had a lot to say
Dorgu received a 7/10 rating from Danish outlet Bold.dk, who wrote: “He really got his offensive strengths going with sharp runs up the sideline that caused the visitors problems on several occasions.”
“The United full-back was also the architect behind the 4-0 goal with his change of pace and cross, and he generally delivered a strong effort.”
Scandinavians, on the other hand, have always had a little more faith in their young talents, which is why Dorgu’s big win will have been the praise he has received from his club’s supporters in recent weeks, with his near-perfect performance against Lithuania helping him turn a major corner in his United future.
“Patrick Dorgu is going to be an immense player for our football club,” one X user commented, while another added: “Dorgu is still only 20 – he’s got the technical and physical attributes to succeed in the long run.” Despite being thrown into an uncertain group in the middle of the season, far too many United fans have already written him off. Yes, he’s raw and inconsistent, but his potential is really high.” Meanwhile, a third commented:
“Patrick Dorgu is going to be fantastic, by the way. He continues to demonstrate it, as he did tonight, but naysayers are unable to give him the time he needs to mature and establish that consistency. He’s 20 and has 77 senior games under his belt. Some of the takes on him this year are going to age horrifically, and I’m going to love every minute of it.”
Dorgu’s dramatic shift in viewpoint is best demonstrated by the fact that another X user went so far as to compare him to Champions League and Nations League champion Nuno Mendes, who is currently regarded as one of the top left-backs in world football. A fourth X user commented, “I genuinely believe Patrick Dorgu will be our Nuno Mendes in a couple of seasons.”
“We all know how Ruben Amorim develops his wingbacks – give Dorgu time, training, and a system that lets him thrive, and he’ll become one of the best in his position.”
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