Mads Frokjaer: A one of a kind Preston North End player and pretty perfect exit
The midfielder joined Brondby on a permanent basis on transfer deadline day
Preston North End’s squad just got a lot less cool. Does this matter? Not really. But for anyone who felt remotely sad at the news of Mads Frokjaer’s move to Brondby on transfer deadline day, this is probably why. That may be doing the Dane’s ability as a footballer a disservice, yet the fascination with Frokjaer was never just about his performance on the pitch.
He would not stand out in a busy European square but in a football world where a lot of people look and act and talk in a very similar way, Frokjaer was wonderfully one of a kind. The Dane did his own thing off the pitch and you got the feeling, quite often, he wanted to do the same on it. That was probably to his detriment at times but Frokjaer achieved his dream of playing in England and held his own.
There was an air of right player, wrong club/league with the midfielder. It was only this season the former Odense man struggled for starts, yet there was a lot of waiting, urging and picturing when it came to Frokjaer. Waiting for him to truly establish his role in the team, urging him to be more selfish in the final third and picturing him running games for North End on a weekly basis.
In time, though, Frokjaer can reflect on some memorable moments. One of those came very early, with his winning goal at home to Sunderland. The Dane was immense in PNE’s win at Watford last season and at Coventry the campaign prior. This season, his goals at Sheffield Wednesday and Southampton sparked wild scenes in the away ends. Nine assists in his maiden Championship campaign is no mean feat.
Despite the attacking players brought to the club this summer, Frokjaer must’ve hoped he would get more minutes on the pitch. In that regard the timing of the departure is ideal and the deal looks a perfect one for all parties. Frokjaer, who has seen some good friends leave Preston in the last six months too, returns home to represent, not only a big Danish club, but one on the doorstep of his hometown. This is a nice thing.
Players don’t always leave at the right time, or in the right way. Similarly to Stefan Thordarson, the new Brondby man would’ve by no means been an issue at PNE; he may well have popped up with some more moments before the season was out. There is something to be said for smiling when you shake hands, though, and Frokjaer - even if he doesn’t show it - must be hugely excited for this next chapter.
For many, his time at Deepdale will be a case of what could’ve been. The player himself may well feel the same way. Frokjaer didn’t shy away from the fact he believed the team was better with him in it; his football brain and general intelligence was evident. Maybe Frokjaer had to be the ring leader, with everyone on the same page as him and the ball kept on the floor. Was that ever going to really happen at North End? Unlikely. The Dane was, therefore, a resistance against his own in a way.
Despite all of that, plenty will miss Frokjaer: a maverick in every sense. Someone with football in their blood but who clearly cared for the other, smaller things in life. Sport is about entertainment and Frokjaer, not just the player but whole package, was definitely that - even if he could frustrate. His career from here will no doubt be followed by a lot of the Deepdale faithful, who will hope to see him thrive.
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