Story byRasmus Hojlund: Italian legend labels Dane one of the world’s top strikersThe Peoples PersonSun, December 28, 2025 at 8:30 AM UTC·2 min readManchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund has made a strong impression at SSC Napoli. Impressive loan spellHojlund joined the Italian champions on loan at the end of the summer transfer window to replace the injured Romelu Lukaku. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Dane has scored seven goals in 19 appearances in all competitions for Napoli. He has also provided three assists, bringing his total to 10 goal contributions for the season before the turn of the year. Rasmus Hojlund season statsSource: transfermarkt. comNapoli are so content with his performances that there are reports suggesting making his deal permanent is just a formality that will be completed at the end of the season. His current manager Antonio Conte has already offered kind words for the 22-year-old’s positive contributions this season, claiming he has “great potential”. Incredible praise from ItalyWhilst his performances have certainly improved from last year, not many Manchester United fans would be desperate to see Hojlund back in a United shirt. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNonetheless, Italian legend Christian Vieri has other ideas about the Danish marksman. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via AlfredoPedulla. com), Vieri was incredibly complimentary of the forward. The former Italian international confidently asserted, “I consider Hojlund potentially one of the five best centre-forwards in the world.”Vieri has been impressed by his multitude of skills, stating that “he can score goals, but he knows how to attack deep and wear down defences. Add to that the fact that he has a soft left foot, is strong mentally and physically: he has everything, in short.”The Italian legend also warned Lukaku that he will have a tough time returning to the starting line-up when he recovers from injury. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe claimed, “it won’t be easy to take his place, but it must be said that Lukaku also knows how to get his teammates playing well.”Featured image Yasser Bakshs via Getty Imagesonline pollsThe Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson. bsky. social.