Mikkel Damsgaard signed for Brentford on the 10th of August 2022. The Danish midfielder arrived on a 15-million-euro fee in what was recognised as an amazing bit of business from the Bees. Damsgaard was on the radar of many top clubs after he impressed in the 2020 Euros, his free kick to take the lead against England stunned the world and portrayed his array of talent. In the opinion of some since joining for Brentford Damsgaard has maybe gone under the radar which loiters the question is he a flop or a success?
Before signing for Brentford Damsgaard featured heavily in the left-wing position for both Denmark and Sampdoria. It was in this position at the Euros where Damsgaard made a name for himself with his dazzling feet and close control to swiftly move beyond players. Damsgaard was attracting interest from a vast number of clubs but eventually packed his bags and headed to West London.
After arriving to Brentford, it became apparent what the plans were for him. Brentford already had the depth in wider positions and therefore Thomas Frank conveyed an early willingness to deploy Damsgaard as a part of a midfield three. Operating in a 5-3-2 for both last season and for a majority of this season meant Damsgaard would have to thrive centrally in order to get minutes. Playing this role isn't an alien scenario for Damsgaard; he is more that comfortable doing a job in the systems Frank implements by which he is required to have an influence in the middle.
The agenda against Damsgaard comes from his goal involvements. Having had such a successful Euros where although he only scored twice and assisted once, fans of Brentford would have noticed the threat he possessed at the competition and perhaps expected similar levels of creativity in this Brentford team. Despite such high expectations is it possible some fans are being too harsh on Damsgaard and fail to identify what kind of player he is?
Brentford put together a five star display this weekend against relegation scrapping Luton. The bees travelled to Kenilworth Road in form and gave the away fans a day to remember cruising to a 5-1 victory. A key reason for their victory was down to the presence of Damsgaard who highlighted to the Premier League and World what his purpose is within the team.
Damsgaard ran the show in the midfield playing box-to-box his work rate was exceptional. Having such energy centrally allowed him to be successful when dispossessing opposition and this made it near enough impossible for Luton to break through. He inspired a wonderful win and made a clear statement with his composure on the ball that not only is he important to the team when defending but also, he has a massive role to play in the build up to chances being created.
Damsgaard was all over the pitch against Luton, the yards he was covering meant he was never not available to receive the ball. Statistically Damsgaard won seven tackles, eight duels and had a 76-passing accuracy. This proves how dominant his display was and suggests as a player he is growing into a Brentford side he once didn't get much of a look into.
Damsgaard has overcome the setback he faced in 2021 undergoing surgery on his knee which hampered the progression he was making at the time. With only four games left to play this season it would seem tactically bizarre for Frank to not involve Damsgaard in Brentford's remaining fixtures. He is finding his feet and putting those who think he's a flop or failed talent to shame because it appears Frank has developed him into a competent powerhouse in the middle of the park.