Hojbjerg aims for bigger impact than Saints' last Great Dane

Saints’ new signing has not heard of Ronnie Ekelund - and why would he. He was not even born when the winger starred at The Dell during the 1994-95 season.

While Ekelund’s impact was impressive it was also fleeting. Matt Le Tissier rates him as his best-ever strike partner, but Ekelund only played 17 matches for Saints before returning to Denmark with a back injury.

Hojbjerg has designs on establishing himself in the longer term.

“I have hopefully many years in front of me at Southampton,” says the 21 year-old midfielder. “Even before I signed with Southampton I could see myself with Southampton.

“That was the big step. I think it is important to identify yourself with the people around the club you are working for.

“If you can’t work with others and be part of a club, then in the end you won’t get better and the team won’t get better.

“If you think together and try to do it all as one army, you can march forward and everyone will grow.”

Hojbjerg has clearly done his homework.

“Southampton are very sophisticated about the way of thinking about football. They’re developing every year and have made some huge steps.

“You do not do that just like that but because you have good people, serious people with the right way of thinking and playing.”

That includes new manager Claude Puel.

“I spoke with him before I came and it was very important for me because it made me feel comfortable that I had a coach who had an understanding of the way of football I think I can play and I like.”

Saints’ track record of talent production was also a factor in Hojbjerg’s move to St Mary’s. “I knew of course they had Gareth Bale, [Alex Oxlade-] Chamberlain. I can remember Luke Shaw was bought [from] here.

“A few years ago [Morgan] Schneiderlin came from here so big players who have made a big step from here. They don’t hold back.

“They have a good way of getting the right every player to their limit and this is what it’s all about. To work as hard as possible and sooner or later reach the maximum limit out of your potential.

“Then in the end how far you will go time will show.”