FC Midtjylland midfielder Byskov works for freedom after honest talks with coach

FC Midtjylland's attacking midfielder Valdemar Byskov is carving out a more significant role for himself this season, driven by coach Mike Tullberg's advice to be offensively indispensable. The 21-year-old has been tasked with providing the goals and assists previously supplied by the departed Aral Simsir, a challenge he is currently meeting with two goals and two assists.

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He has taken it to heart. He does what he can defensively, and that's why he's playing right now.

Tullberg has noted Byskov's progress, stating, "He has taken it to heart. He does what he can defensively, and that's why he's playing right now." While acknowledging Byskov may never be a defensive stalwart, Tullberg emphasizes his value in creativity and goal-scoring. "He can ensure that we have some creativity and score some goals, and he has done that. He has had a fine start to the season, and together we can hopefully ensure that he has a huge breakthrough at FC Midtjylland," the coach added.

Byskov's current form is a stark contrast to his earlier career struggles. A loan spell at Portuguese sister club Mafra proved disappointing, yielding only two first-team appearances in six months. This period of adversity, however, proved crucial. "As a youth player, I was always on the team sheet, no matter how badly I played in the previous match," Byskov recalled. "But then I came to a different environment and a different training culture in Portugal. I thought it was unfair that I didn't play, and the plan for the spell failed."

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He can ensure that we have some creativity and score some goals, and he has done that. He has had a fine start to the season, and together we can hopefully ensure that he has a huge breakthrough at FC Midtjylland.

Despite the initial setback, the time in Portugal instilled new habits and a clearer understanding of what was required to succeed back at FCM. "Partly, I gained some habits and routines off the pitch that I hadn't paid attention to before, and partly I realized that I couldn't just walk straight into the team when I returned to FCM," Byskov explained. "I had to grind my way into the team, and I had to be an active participant in the locker room and be involved socially. I spent a lot of energy on that."

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As a youth player, I was always on the team sheet, no matter how badly I played in the previous match.

Byskov initially earned playing time under former coach Thomas Thomasberg and has continued his development under Tullberg, recently marking his 100th first-team appearance. While Byskov's style as a creative No. 10 or No. 8 might not fit the typical Tullberg profile, the coach recognizes the player's contributions. Byskov himself accepts the need to balance his offensive freedom with defensive responsibilities. "I don't think I'm stepping on anyone's toes when I say that Mike and I are different in our way of being and in terms of priorities. But I am aware that he picks the team, and that I have to 'please' him in certain areas," Byskov said.

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But then I came to a different environment and a different training culture in Portugal. I thought it was unfair that I didn't play, and the plan for the spell failed.