Patrick Dorgu: The Danish Youngster with Dreams of Playing in the Premier League
Through Only 8 Serie A Appearances, the Danish Youth International Has Shown Plenty of Promise, But What's Next?
A year ago, Danish youth international Patrick Dorgu was playing Under-19s football. A year later, Dorgu is starring for Serie A side US Lecce against the likes of Italian giants Juventus, Napoli, and Lazio. Patrick Dorgu exemplifies hard work meeting opportunity.
Following a year-long loan spell competing with Lecce’s U19s in the Campionato Primavera 1, Lecce made the deal permanent, keeping Dorgu in Italy through the 2026-2027 season.
Through the first 9 matches of the young Italian season, Dorgu has contributed 1 g/a from his Left-Back position, with the lone assist coming in the Coppa Italia against Serie B side Como in mid-August. Despite posting a 6.72 rating throughout the beginning of this season, Dorgu’s admiration comes from his performances against the massive clubs where he’s posted a 7.4 (against Lazio) and two 7.2 performances (against Juventus and Napoli).
These early season performances have seen Dorgu be promoted to the Danish U21s while receiving looks from Denmark’s Senior National Team as seen in October 3rd’s Press Conference held by Kasper Hjulmand, Denmark’s manager, who stated (regarding Dorgu), “He is a very, very exciting Left-Back.” It is also worth mentioning that should that call-up never come, Dorgu has a Nigerian passport in his back pocket thanks to his father, should he ever entertain the Super Eagles despite being cap-tied to the Scandinavians.
Before we dive into a Patrick Dorgu breakdown, Dorgu’s Lecce side plays today at Udinese at 18:30 (CET), 17:30 (BST), and 12:30 (EST)!
What makes Dorgu so coveted by Premier League sides?
Starting off, Dorgu is a solid as they come defensively. As Dorgu progressed through the youth ranks throughout the past couple of years, his tackling, work rate, and man-marking were consistently apparent. As he made his transition last year from FC Nordsjælland’s youth setup to Lecce’s youth setup, Dorgu’s uber-athletic, muscular frame helped him in these regards as he immediately stood out helping lead Lecce’s U19s to a remarkable first place finish in the Campionato Primavera 1 ahead of the likes of Juventus, Inter, and Milan’s U19s. Check out the clip below of two strong tackles from Dorgu! (s/o @TalentsU23/X || Brazil Scout/YT)
In addition to his defensive capabilities, Dorgu offers an array of talents with the ball at his feet. The pacey LB has a touch of gold, allowing him to fluidly break a press en route to progressing up the field, the ability to take on his man to take a shot, and the ability to pick out a pass before putting on a platter for the intended target.
Through the first 8 games of the Serie A season for Dorgu so far, he’s put lots of potential on film in addition to all the footage from his days as a standout youth prospect. The question for Dorgu is, what’s the best next step for his career?
What are the Next Steps for Dorgu’s Career?
Over the last month or so following his strong start to his Senior career, Dorgu has been the subject of numerous transfer rumors linking him to places such as Stamford Bridge and Anfield. Undoubtedly, if Dorgu continues to play and produce the way he has so far, he will have every option he may want. It’s not every day that you come across a Left-Back with the skill and stature of the Dane.
The Italian side is reportedly open to selling Dorgu in the Summer of 2024, leaving numerous clubs ready to swoop in for the Dane’s signature. Keep your eyes peeled for Dorgu’s performance this afternoon and the rest of the campaign, as that will dictate where his future lies.
Wrap-Up
In the whirlwind ascent of Patrick Dorgu from Under-19s football to holding his ground against Serie A giants, the young Danish talent has become a sensation worth keeping an eye on. His journey from the youth ranks of FC Nordsjælland to a permanent spot at US Lecce exemplifies the perfect blend of hard work and seizing the right opportunities. Dorgu’s defensive prowess, showcased through his tackling and commanding presence, has been a bedrock for Lecce, while his dynamic abilities with the ball at his feet make him a standout left-back.
As the transfer rumor mill swirls around him, with Stamford Bridge and Anfield mentioned as potential destinations, Dorgu stands at a crossroads in his burgeoning career. The Danish U21 international has not only caught the attention of Serie A heavyweights but has also sparked interest from his national team. With a Nigerian passport as an intriguing wildcard, Dorgu’s journey unfolds with tantalizing possibilities. Keep a close watch on this rising star as he continues to carve his path, and the football world eagerly anticipates where his next move will take him. In the dynamic landscape of football, Patrick Dorgu’s trajectory is a testament to the captivating unpredictability that makes the beautiful game so enthralling.
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