Danish defender Thomas Kristensen has quickly become a key player for Udinese since joining from his home country in 2023. Despite some challenges with injuries, the 23-year-old is now considered one of Serie A’s most promising young defenders, attracting interest from top clubs. In a recent conversation, he shared insights into his journey in Italy, the lessons he’s learned, and his ambitions for the future.
🌱 Adjusting to a New Life in Italy
Moving to Italy was a big change for Kristensen. He described it as a “huge culture shock,” having to adapt to a new country and language at just 21 years old. While English was spoken at the training ground, he knew learning Italian was important to feel at home in his new surroundings. “It was a huge transition from living with the lads in Aarhus to coming down here alone,” he explained. However, he feels the experience has helped him grow significantly, both as a person and as a footballer, making him a “totally different version” of himself.
🎓 Learning from a Legend: Fabio Cannavaro
One of the highlights of his time at Udinese was being coached by Fabio Cannavaro, a World Cup winner and one of Italy’s greatest-ever defenders. Kristensen called it a “wild experience” to learn from a former Ballon d’Or winner. He said Cannavaro taught the team so much about defensive organization and the small details that make a big difference. “He is a man who really knows his sh*t,” Kristensen praised, adding that the short time under Cannavaro’s guidance was an amazing and valuable period for his development.
🎢 A Rollercoaster First Season
Kristensen’s first year was full of ups and downs. The team struggled, which created a tense atmosphere, and they found themselves in a difficult battle to avoid relegation. He admitted it was a “chaotic season” but also a valuable learning experience. On a personal level, he was proud of establishing himself in the team despite some injuries. Memorable moments include his debut against Fiorentina, scoring his first goal, and incredible away wins against giants like Juventus and Inter. The most dramatic day was the last match of the season, where Udinese secured their place in Serie A, leaving their opponents Frosinone to be relegated in a stadium filled with emotional fans.
⚔️ Facing Serie A’s Toughest Strikers
Playing in one of Europe’s top leagues means facing world-class attackers every week. Kristensen named Duvan Zapata, Marcus Thuram, and Romelu Lukaku as the most difficult strikers he has played against. He also mentioned that playing as a right-back for a while, though challenging, helped him improve his defending against fast wingers. This experience has helped him become more comfortable and effective in his preferred position as a central defender.
🎯 Future Goals and Premier League Dreams
Looking ahead, Kristensen is optimistic. He feels there is now a great harmony in the Udinese squad, and everyone is hungry to improve. While he still follows his childhood club AGF in Denmark, his ultimate dream is to play in England. “The Premier League is the best league in the world and it would be a dream for me to play in England,” he shared. For now, however, his focus remains entirely on giving his best for Udinese.
