History: Ligue 1's Great Danes
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Pierre-Emile Højbjerg joined the ranks of Olympique de Marseille last week as the latest signing for the side from La Provence, hoping to build a squad around Roberto De Zerbi's flamboyant new style which is set to land in Ligue 1 at the start of the season. Højbjerg joins a select group of talents from Denmark who have made a name for themselves in France's top division.
Especially in recent seasons there has been a crop of Danish talent that has passed through Ligue 1. From Kasper Dolberg's rise at OGC Nice, to Joachim Andersen's solid performances at Olympique Lyonnais before moving to the Premier League and Crystal Palace FC.
Dolberg would spend four years at OGC Nice after breaking through the Ajax academy and signing with the southern side for a fee of €20m in 2019. He would go on to make 74 appearances for Nice, scoring 23 goals in the process. Meanwhile Andersen would make his Champions League debut with Olympique Lyonnais, before showing his qualities at Fulham on loan and a move to Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Even one the son of Denmark's greatest players, Kasper Schmeichel opted for a move to the French Riviera after a trophy-laden career at Premier League side Leicester City. He made 36 appearances in the 2022-2023 season for Les Aiglons.
Toulouse FC has seen not one but two Great Danes in recent years. Defender Mikkel Desler joined in the 2021-2022 season along with Rasmus Schmidt Nicolaisen: the pair would form a productive relationship down the years. Winning Ligue 2 BKT in their first year, the two defenders would take part in Toulouse's first season back in France's top tier - helping Les Violets clinch a sensational Coupe de France win and qualify for European football for the first time in 13 years.
Photo Credit: FEP
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