Emil Riis feels he has hit a turning point in his Preston North End career

Emil Riis feels he has reached a turning point in his Preston North End career after netting 21 goals last season.
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Riis had struggled to find form before last season, taking some time to settle back in the UK after his move from Randers in the summer of 2020.

He was in and out of the side under then boss Alex Neil but became more of a regular under Frankie McAvoy.

Preston North End's Emil Riis Jakobsen scores his side's fourth goal against Middlesbrough.Preston North End's Emil Riis Jakobsen scores his side's fourth goal against Middlesbrough.
Preston North End's Emil Riis Jakobsen scores his side's fourth goal against Middlesbrough.
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He’d already scored 12 times by December, when Ryan Lowe became PNE manager, and was an important player throughout the campaign.

His goals last season were worth 15 points to the Lilywhites – goals that either drew North End level in games or put them ahead.

It’s a stark contrast for Riis, who was lacking in confidence in his first season but showed maturity and resilience in his second.

He told the Lancashire Post: "It's definitely a turning point, I got three goals in my first year and last year it was obviously great.

Preston North End striker Emil Riis Jakobsen at the media day at Euxton Training Ground. Photo: Kelvin StuttardPreston North End striker Emil Riis Jakobsen at the media day at Euxton Training Ground. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
Preston North End striker Emil Riis Jakobsen at the media day at Euxton Training Ground. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
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"I'm hoping I can do the same again, you never know. I haven't set myself targets for this year yet but it's going to come.

"I don't want to score less, definitely, hopefully I can score a few more goals.

"I'll probably be the one to set my targets first but I think me and the manager will set them together as well.”

Riis was able to get away from it all in the summer, to some extent. Back in his home country of Denmark he was still reminded of his exploits in the Championship.

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He’s not one to dwell on those accomplishments however, and is very much aware of his current goal tally.

He said: “I enjoyed last season and it has given me a boost going into this one. I'm pleased and every time I've met someone in Denmark they stop you and ask you about it, I've definitely been reminded of it.

"It's a good thing and it's something that I look back on with a good view. I want to use it to do the same thing this year.

"You don't want to hang on to last season, you want to do the same thing again this year and push on again.

"I'm on zero goals this year so you want to get up there again and get your numbers up.”