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The 'World-class tactical geek' who could transform Aston Villa after Dean Smith

Aston Villa are searching for a new manager and Kasper Hjulmand’s name has been linked heavily so far

Kasper Hjulmand celebrates after Denmark qualified for the World Cup in Qatar after the FIFA World Cup 2022
Kasper Hjulmand celebrates after Denmark qualified for the World Cup in Qatar after the FIFA World Cup 2022

Aston Villa are currently being rumoured with many names as to who will succeed Dean Smith at Aston Villa. One name that does stand out is the ‘tactical geek’ that is Kasper Hjulmand.

He is the current manager of the Danish national team and his successes within the role were on full display this summer in EURO 2020. He guided his side to the semi-finals against England and his ability tactically was a large reason as to why he was able to do this.


His former employer, Tom Vernon of FC Nordsjaelland has stated Hjulmand is a ‘tactical geek and a football idealist’ when describing his managerial style. He recruited Hjulmand due to him wanting to do unique things in football and he has certainly gone on to do this so far in his career.


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Vernon worked as a scout at Manchester United but has stated: “He (Hjulmand) is a world-class coach and better than anyone I’d seen in my Premier League experiences.”


His talents were on full display in his Denmark side this summer. They didn’t possess the same quality as many of the other opponents, but it was the way in which Hjulmand was able to manipulate teams tactically which led to their successes.

He is known for his in-game substitutions and tactical tweaks, which was evident in the game against Czech Republic where he used a total of three different formations in the 2-1 win which fired them into the semi-finals against England.


He has been described as ‘extremely detailed oriented and very tactical’ by Vernon and Adam Scully of Total Football Analysis reinforced this idea by stating “Their (Denmark) flexibility is probably the biggest factor in them going so far.”

In terms of style of play, Hjulmand likes to play expansive possession-based football in a 3-4-3 but is also capable of switching to a 4-3-3 and a 5-3-2, which Villa have utilised so far this season.

He is also renowned for developing young players through his attacking football, which could benefit Villa who have the likes of Carney Chukwuemeka, Cameron Archer and Jacob Ramsey all currently breaking into the first team.


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He is a modern-day coach who wants to press high up the pitch and win the ball back quickly. He demands a lot from his players and Vernon has described him as an “idealist and not everyone’s cup of tea.” Which may be exactly what this Villa side need.

He worked alongside Johan Lange during their time together at Lyngby. Lange was an upcoming coach during Hjulmand’s 18-mont-spell at the club and they could potentially be colleagues once again at Aston Villa.

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