Transfers

Jens Hauge: Eye-catching statistics of AC Milan's Norwegian wonderkid

The 20-year-old has had a breakout season at Bodo Glimt and there's high hopes that he can become a top player in Serie A

 
1:00pm on Monday 26th October 2020
By
Paul Macdonald

It would seem that AC Milan were convinced that Jens Hauge was the one for them after he performed so well against them.

His goal - a right-footed thunderbolt into the top corner - and an assist against them for Bodo Glimt in their Europa League qualifier gave the Rossoneri a much more difficult afternoon than it might have been, eventually winning 3-2.

But this is simply the culmination of an astounding season for the 20-year-old, who is fully expected to be the next huge talent to emerge from Norway and who netted his first Milan goal against Celtic in the Europa League.

Jens Hauge, Martin Odegaard, Erling Haaland

Hauge's performances in the Eliteserein for a Bodo Glimt side dismantling all before them were special. When Hauge was sold, Glimt had won 16 and drawn two in their 18 league matches, scoring 65 goals in the process, an average of 3.61 per game.

And Hauge performed at a level above the Norwegian top flight. He provided 24 goals and assists in those 18 matches, equating to a non-penalty goal contribution P90 of a whopping 1.22.

His completed dribbles P90 of 2.4 were the second highest in the league, while he ranked #4 for Big Chances Created and highest for Final Third Passes (27.1 P90). His 8.0 Average FC Rating is also light years ahead of the rest of his contemporaries.

Berge is the type of player who is thoroughly satisfying to watch in action. Observe his technique as he carries the ball effortlessly, every touch taking him where he needs to go, with head up assessing the play. These are characteristics he has been able to hone after being given his first-term debut at the age of just 16. There is no substitute for experience; the fact that he has nearly 120 professional club appearances at his age is testament to what can be learned through doing.

20 yrs - W (LR) - Bodø/Glimt
78
Defending
Creative
Passing
Attacking
Shooting
Decisive
Aerials
Physical
JavaScript chart by amChartsLDefendingCreativePassingAttackingShootingDecisiveAerialsPhysical10-10-5051015100%
1557
Played matches
18
14
10
Shots P90
2.89
Dribbles P90
2.37
Final third passes
27.05
Man of the match
7

But Hauge clearly has other natural attributes as well. Beyond his dribbling he has a rasping shot, but also the finesse to find a team-mate better positioned than him. In this new world where Serie A is far from the defensive league it once was, and attacking players are allowed to shine, it could be the perfect platform.

And maybe the perfect club, too. A few years ago Milan seemed to be the place where players go to die, the tribulations of the decade taking a side once challenging at the top end of European football into relative also-rans, one that has tried to develop talent but has largely failed.

But it feels different under Stefano Pioli. The positive results the club gained under him post-lockdown put paid to a potential Ralf Rangnick usurping of his position and he has good players playing well. At the moment, it's probably a positive environment for Hauge to develop.

And he's not short of confidence. He told Norwegian TV2: “It’s clearly a massive club. As these things have become a reality in recent days, it’s obviously quite big.

“I feel I can manage to claim a place in that Milan side. It’s exciting to see what the next days will bring. I hope we will make this happen now. It was the right decision for all parties involved.

“It was a step I felt ready to take."

If you are wondering what he looks like, this can get you up to speed.

Video: Jens Hauge 2020 goals + Assists

Latest news

Sheffield United vs Fulham Predictions: Team to Win, Form, News and more 30/03/2024

Here are our predictions for the Premier League tie between Sheffield Utd and Fulham on Saturday, March 30th 2024.

  • 13 hours

Chelsea vs Burnley Predictions: Team to Win, Form, News and more 30/03/2024

Here are our predictions for the Premier League tie between Chelsea and Burnley on Saturday, March 30th 2024.

  • 14 hours

Newcastle vs West Ham Predictions: Team to Win, Form, News and more 30/03/2024

Here are our predictions for the Premier League tie between Newcastle and West Ham on Saturday, March 30th 2024.

  • 15 hours

Lille vs Lens Predictions: Team to Win, Form, News and more 29/03/2024

Here are our predictions for the Ligue 1 tie between Lille and Lens on Friday, March 29th 2024 from the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

  • 17 hours

Cadiz vs Granada Predictions: Team to Win, Form, News and more 29/03/2024

Here are our predictions for the La Liga Primera clash between Cadiz and Granada on Friday, March 29th 2024 from Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla.

  • 17 hours

Barnsley vs Cambridge United Predictions: Team to Win, Form, News and more 29/03/2024

Here are our predictions for the EFL League One game between Barnsley and Cambridge United on Friday, March 29th 2024.

  • 18 hours

Most read