Hojlund has appeared determined to prove a point on the trip to the United States.
Against West Ham at the MetLife Stadium on Saturday he used his pace and power to drive into a shooting position, crashing a shot against the post.
He took just eight minutes to find the net against Bournemouth, steering home a left-wing cross from fellow countryman Patrick Dorgu.
His claim on a second was more contentious. After using his strength to cause unease among Bournemouth ranks the Denmark forward claimed Amad’s low shot, which was heading for the far corner regardless, flicked off him on the way in.
The goal was officially awarded to Amad, but Hojlund said: “It is definitely mine. I can’t help it. The ball touched my shin. It’s my goal.”
After the criticism he has received for his relative lack of goals over the past two seasons, it is understandable that Hojlund would want to claim any that he can.
There does seem to be a renewed focus about Hojlund.
He looks a different player to the one that ended last season, when he was so badly lacking in confidence and did not seem to believe he would score.
He has 61 goals for club and country, but while some score many more – Erling Haaland had gone past 100 by the time he was Hojlund’s age – others take longer.
England’s leading goalscorer Harry Kane had only scored 53 goals by the time he was 22.
“I’m still very young,” he said. “People forget that sometimes.
“I’m only 22. Not every striker scores 100 goals by that age.
“But I’ve learned a lot, I think you can see it in my game. I’m starting to develop and become even better in the basics.
“Last season was tough on us all. I should have done better, everybody knows.
“But it’s also a team thing. We’re going to be better now. We are progressing in the right way and looking forward to what’s coming.”
