Nov 16

Nov 16 The 5 Greatest Danish Footballers

The 5 Best Players to Represent Denmark at Football

Denmark, a proud country, and home to some of Europe’s finest players over the years.

Having won the 1906 Olympic Gold in men’s football, the Scandinavians would have to wait eighty years for another triumph, albeit in an unexpected fashion.

Without talisman Michael Laudrup, The Danes won Euro ’92 to remind the world of their ability despite their relatively small population (5 million people as of 2019).

That was then followed up with a 1995 FIFA Confederations Cup win. The Red and Whites are fiercely patriotic with technical quality as well and give their all at every major tournament.

These 5 are the best footballers to have represented Denmark:

John Dahl Tomasson

Position: Striker

Caps: 112

Goals: 52

Tied as Denmark’s highest-ever goalscorer while also third on the list for most appearances, John Dahl Tomasson’s senior international career exhibits incredible longevity. Seen as incredibly talented from a young age, Tomasson’s senior debut in March 1997 at 20-years old whilst playing for Dutch side Heerenveen.

Still a prospect at the time, Tomasson was left out of the ’98 WC squad that reached the quarter-finals but became a key part of the national side immediately afterwards, scoring 6 goals in 8 appearances in 1999. The striker then started every game at Euro 2000, as Denmark crashed out in the group stages without scoring a goal.

Lots of goals from Jon Dahl Tomasson

2002 was Tomasson at his peak. Then playing for Feyenoord in Holland, he scored 80% (4/5) of Denmark’s goals in the ’02 WC as they topped a group also consisting of Senegal, Uruguay and France. England eventually stopped the Danes in the RO16, but Tomasson impressed.

Usually a centre-forward or support-striker, the Dane was instead used as a #10 at Euro 2004. Nonetheless, Tomasson shone, scoring 75% (3/4) of Denmark’s goals at the competition as the Scandinavians made another QF.

The striker’s last major tournament was the 2010 World Cup, with Tomasson captaining the side in 2 of their 3 games at the tournament; as well as scoring a WC goal at the age of 34. He retired from international football after the World Cup.

A clever, composed finisher; Tomasson would often react quicker than opposition defenders, which created myriad opportunities to shoot. His positioning was also superb. He was a true poacher.

Peter Schmeichel

Position: Goalkeeper

Caps: 129

Goals: 1

The most-capped Danish player of all-time and Denmark’s greatest-ever goalkeeper; Peter Schmeichel’s senior debut came in May 1987 at 23-year old. At the time, Schmeichel had already played 4 seasons as a professional.

Then at Brøndby of Denmark, the ‘keeper was named in the squad for Euro ‘88, but was the backup. Troels Rasmussen was starting GK at the time but after a poor first game vs Spain in which he conceded 3 goals in a 3-2 defeat, Schmeichel played the rest of the competition as Denmark crashed out in the group stages.

At the next European championship, Schmeichel started all 5 games (2 clean sheets) as the Danes progressed from a group containing Sweden, France and England and proceeded to win the tournament altogether in a glorious moment for the nation.

Schmeichel wasn’t involved in the ’95 Confederations cup triumph but started all 3 games (1 clean sheet) at Euro ’96 as Denmark defended the trophy in a disappointing fashion, exiting at the group stages.

The Red and Whites were much improved at the ’98 WC, reaching the QFs in their highest finish at a World Cup. Schmeichel started every game in France, keeping 1 clean sheet.

The imposing ‘keeper’s last major tournament was Euro 2000, where he captained Denmark in all 3 games as the Danes were once again disappointing on the continent. His last international appearance came in 2001 at the age of 38. Schmeichel’s sole goal for his country came via a penalty in a 2-2 draw vs Belgium, but he did score over 10 goals in his entire career.

A leader from the back who was physically dominant whilst still possessing agility, Schmeichel is regarded as one of the best GKs of all time.

Michael Laudrup

Position: Attacking midfielder / Forward

Caps: 104

Goals: 37

Possibly Denmark’s most naturally talented footballer ever, Michael Laudrup was still the best player in training as manager of Swansea, so one can only fathom his capabilities as a player. His senior international debut came in June 1982, on his 18th birthday.

This was after a full season as a professional for Danish club KB. By the end of 1982, Laudrup had scored 2 goals in his first 3 caps for the Red and Whites.

By Euro 1984, Laudrup was a nailed-on starter for the Danish senior team. Playing in a strike partnership of a 4-4-2 with striker Preben Elkjær, the playmaker started all 4 games at this tournament as Denmark progressed to the Euros semi-finals for the second time in their history. Laudrup had a different role for Denmark by the 1986 WC though, playing either on the flanks or in central midfield of a 4-4-2 or 5-3-2.

At the World Cup, the Danes reached the RO16 for the first time in their history. He started all 4 games, scoring 1 goal.

The midfield maestro continued to be ever-present going into Euro ’98, and he started all 3 games in Germany as Denmark exited in the group stage, scoring 1 goal in 2-3 loss vs Spain. Laudrup chose to quit the national team in 1990 due to disagreements with the then-head coach, Richard Møller Nielsen. As a result, the midfielder missed out on Denmark’s triumph at Euro ’92.

Laudrup returned to the national team fold in August 1993. He started 2/3 games at the 1995 Confederations Cup as the Danes triumphed, with Laudrup scoring in the final vs Argentina. By 1996, Laudrup was captain of the national team.

Playing primarily as a #10 in number and position, he started all 3 games at Euro ’96 as Denmark crashed out in the group stages in a disappointing defence of their 1992 triumph. His last major international tournament was the 1998 WC. He started all 5 games as captain as Denmark made it to the QFs, scoring once. He retired after the tournament, aged 34.

Nicknamed “The Prince of Denmark”, Laudrup was an elegant dribbler with both feet who possessed great pace on the ball accompanied by a high football IQ. His vision and passing were also excellent, while his versatility is underrated. Laudrup played as a striker, central midfielder and on the flanks for Denmark, dependent on what the team required.

Brian Laudrup

Position: Attacking midfielder / Forward

Caps: 82

Goals: 21

The younger brother of Michael, Brian Laudrup had a lot to live up to but he certainly forged a reputation as a fantastic player in his own right. His senior international debut came in November 1987 at 18-years old.

At the time, he was midway through his second season as pro at Brøndby of Denmark. He was included in the preliminary Euro ’88 squad, but broke his collarbone before the final squad was announced, missing out as a result.

By Euro 1992 though, Brian was an indispensable member of the national team. Having initially abruptly retired from internationals with Michael, Brian returned to propel the team to success, starting all 5 games in either central midfield or as a striker as Denmark won the competition.

Even with no goals in the tournament, Brian’s performances at the Euros earned him the Danish Player of the Year award for 1992.

Brian Laudrup - A Danish Football Icon.

Michael had returned to the fold by the 1995 Confederations Cup to play alongside his brother, and this further strengthened the Scandinavian’s squad at the time. Brian started all 3 games at the tournament as Denmark triumphed, scoring one goal.

At Euro’96, playing as either a sole striker of a 4-3-3 or in a two-man partnership of a 4-3-1-2, Laudrup started all 3 of Denmark’s games as they exited in the group stage. He shone individually though, scoring 75% (3/4) of their goals at the competition.

The pacey maestro’s last major international tournament was the 1998 WC in France. Brian played primarily as a striker in ‘98, starting all 5 games as Denmark reached the WC quarter-finals for the first time in their history. His 2 goals both came in knockout round games vs Nigeria and Brazil.

After the WC, Brian decided to retire from international football, at the age of just 29. He and his brother Michael were selected for the ’98 WC team of the tournament.

Possessing more pace than his sibling but with similar dribbling ability, Brian Laudrup was also known as a selfless player who loved assisting goals. His vision is underrated, with his no-look backheels, particularly effective. After achieving the Euro ’92 triumph without his brother, Brian ensured a legacy of his own. He also scored important goals in major tournaments and proved his versatility on many occasions.

Preben Elkjær Larsen

Position: Striker

Caps: 69

Goals: 38

Regarded as one of Denmark’s greatest strikers of all time, Preben Elkjær Larsen’s international debut for Denmark’s senior side came in June 1977 at 19 years old. This was after he had scored 9 goals in as many games for Denmark’s U-21 side. Elkjær was then in his second season as a pro, and his only season at Koln of Germany.

By Euro 1984, Elkjær was the starting striker for his country. Given the #10 shirt, He scored 2 goals in 4 starts as Denmark finished in the Euros SFs for only the second time in their history. The striker continued to be integral to the team at the ’86 WC, starting all 4 games and scoring 4 goals as Denmark reached the WC RO16 for the first time in history.

His goals included a hat-trick vs Uruguay, and he finished joint-third top scorer at the tournament. His performance at the World Cup earned him the Bronze Ball (third best player) of the competition as well as a place in the team of the tournament.

Elkjær’s last major international tournament was Euro ’88, where he played 2/3 games as Denmark disappointed, exiting in the group stage. It was Elkjær’s only goalless tournament for the Red and Whites.

Known for his determined and aggressive style of play, Elkjær never gave up on a loose ball and harried defenders on a regular basis. His skill on the ball is underappreciated, as he was often silky when going past defenders. Elkjær’s right foot was venomous and possessed great power as well as accuracy. Nicknamed ‘The Mayor’ by some, he even finished as runner-up and in third place for the 1984 and ’85 Ballon d’or awards. A Danish legend.

Honorable Mentions:

Morten Olsen, Christian Eriksen, Poul Nielsen, Dennis Rommedahl and Paulie Jørgensen.