Christian Norgaard has played two and a half seasons in the Premier League now and has been a leader amongst those around him. Norgaard's presence on the pitch has been pivotal to keeping the Bees away from relegation however the shear talent of players such as Ivan Toney has stripped him multiple times from earning credible compliments for his role in a team that is consistently forced to adapt with the struggles they have had. After such a good performance at the weekend where captain Norgaard scored a goal in a 2-0 win over Wolves, fans of the player have every right to claim the Danish men is underrated.
Norgaard Joined Brentford on a permanent four-year contract back in 2019 and it was that side of West London where the central defensive midfielder was able to reunite with former youth coach manager Thomas Frank who knew all about the players qualities from their time together at Brondby.
Norgaard took the reigns as Brentford captain after the departure of Swedish centre back Pontus Jansson in 2023 and it's clear to see why he was entrusted with such a big responsibility. Norgaard scored Brentford's second goal against Arsenal in what was memorable opening day of the season back in 2021, his towering header was a statement of the Bees intent to stay in the division after so many football fans believed they would go straight back down. The header Norgaard scored verses Wolves last weekend was reminiscent of his goal to defeat Arsenal, both were similar finishes and equally important for the circumstances the Bees found themselves in.
Norgaard has grown into a competent defensive midfielder. He is mostly known for his work off the ball (i.e. the distance he covers, tackles, duels and interceptions) but is heavily underappreciated with the work he does with the ball. Frank deploys Norgaard in a deep lying play maker role offensively so he can pick the ball up off the back four and progress his side up the pitch through passing or driving into space himself.
Norgaard's spatial awareness is another attribute of his that goes under the radar, he always finds pockets to eliminate team presses and this supports the likes of Toney and Maupay to become involved in sequences of play as they will then have space themselves to receive the ball from Norgaard.
Norgaard cost Brentford only £2.8 million pounds which is crazy business for a player whose longevity and influence has brought the club so far. It is a surprise that no clubs have considered swooping in for the Danish men, he is well established in the Denmark team and featured in most games during Euro 2020 and statistically on paper has put up some impressive numbers.
To put into perspective how underrated Norgaard is, Declan rice cost the gunners 100 million pounds this summer and so far in what has been a poor season for the Bees Norgaard has still made more successful tackles 39-31, more clearances 42-38, more headed clearances 28-18 and has been better in the air by winning ten more aerial battles than Rice. In addition to this Rice has only made two more interceptions that Norgaard. It goes to show that even in an underperforming side Norgaard can still compete with the top dogs and who knows if a team do enquire about him maybe Brentford should set his price tag to 100 million.
Obviously other midfielders in the league contribute more goals and assists then Norgaard however his near post finish at the weekend could be so significant for Brentford's season. Molineux isn't an easy place to get points from and the Bees were plummeting closer to the drop zone but now thanks to Norgaard's goal Thomas Franks men have a chance to put some distance between them and those in the bottom three.
During his time at the club Norgaard and fellow Danish teammate Mathias Jensen have built up a formidable partnership at the heart of Brentford's midfield. Frank will hope that both players can stay fit for the remainder of the season as fixtures don't become any easier for the Bees.
Norgaard is a true captain, he plays for the badge and has remarkable discipline. He is a professional at the top of his game and whilst he doesn't get near enough the credit he deserves it's clear to see he is not bothered by the media and is only solely focused on elevating Brentford to a good place.
This is why Norgaard is underrated because unlike many he doesn't play up to the cameras he knows what his duty is and works hard on and off the pitch to steer clear of distractions and get the best out of his game.
Norgaard has been one of Brentford's most consistent players since joining the club and although he's had a few injury problems here and there he is still only 29. Meaning hopefully for the Bees that gas tank of his won't be running out of fuel anytime soon so he can continue to dominate in his position and inspire others on the football pitch.
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