Over the past year, more and more AGF jerseys with ‘Links’ on the back have been seen around Aarhus, and on Monday, the South African player was back on the field in the Superliga after a few weeks’ absence, as AGF won a close match against Brøndby IF 1-0.
Links was named the player of the match at the stadium, and when AGF plays again on Sunday evening, this time in Herning, it is highly likely that Links will be in the starting lineup again, assuming the final preparations go as planned.
Against Brøndby, the impact of Gift Links was clear, both in terms of the energy Brøndby’s players had to expend to keep up with the 26-year-old South African and the cohesion on AGF’s central midfield with Mikael Anderson moved there after a temporary stint in Links’ position.
One of those happy to have Gift Links on the team is goalkeeper Jesper Hansen, who recorded another clean sheet on Monday and is aiming for a repeat performance on Sunday against his former club at MCH Arena.
“He’s like a little tornado out there, constantly proving his worth. He is so important for us this season, a key player, someone who has become a standout on the team, and one of the best in the league this season”, says Jesper Hansen.
AGF couldn’t win in the Superliga in September without the injured Links and instead played to draws against Viborg, Randers, Lyngby, and Silkeborg, while securing a cup victory over VSK Aarhus, which cost goalkeeper Jesper Hansen’s colleague Leopold Wahlstedt a lengthy injury layoff after an unfortunate collision.
A Superliga coach might say it’s too simplistic to attribute AGF’s victory over Brøndby solely to Gift Links’ comeback, but from his position, Jesper Hansen could see how Links drew attention and energy from Brøndby, who were pushed back into their own half in the first half in Aarhus.
“Things move a bit faster with him; he’s good at quick movements and passes, and at seeking depth. He’s just lightning fast, and it wouldn’t be much fun to play against someone like him when he’s on form. I hope we can get him through a whole match, hopefully this weekend. It looks really good from his side”, says Jesper Hansen.
AGF is only one point behind FC Midtjylland, so with a win in Herning and a point drop by FCK in the derby at Brøndby Stadium earlier in the day, AGF could move to the top of the Superliga on Sunday evening.