Mads Roerslev
{{short description|Danish footballer (born 1999)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Mads Roerslev
| image = Mads Roerslev.jpg
| caption = Roerslev warming up with Copenhagen in 2017
| full_name = Mads Roerslev Rasmussen
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1999|6|24|df=y}}
| birth_place = Copenhagen, Denmark
| position = Right-back, right wing-back
| currentclub = VfL Wolfsburg
(on loan from Brentford)
| clubnumber = 5
| youthyears1 = {{0|0000}}–2017
| youthclubs1 = Copenhagen
| years1 = 2017–2019
| clubs1 = Copenhagen
| caps1 = 5
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2017
| clubs2 = → Halmstads BK (loan)
| caps2 = 1
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2019
| clubs3 = → Vendsyssel (loan)
| caps3 = 4
| goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2019–
| clubs4 = Brentford
| caps4 = 121
| goals4 = 2
| years5 = 2025–
| clubs5 = → VfL Wolfsburg (loan)
| caps5 = 5
| goals5 = 0
| nationalyears1 = 2015–2016
| nationalteam1 = Denmark U17
| nationalcaps1 = 16
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2016–2017
| nationalteam2 = Denmark U18
| nationalcaps2 = 3
| nationalgoals2 = 0
| nationalyears3 = 2017–2018
| nationalteam3 = Denmark U19
| nationalcaps3 = 10
| nationalgoals3 = 1
| nationalyears4 = 2018–2019
| nationalteam4 = Denmark U20
| nationalcaps4 = 4
| nationalgoals4 = 0
| nationalyears5 = 2019–2021
| nationalteam5 = Denmark U21
| nationalcaps5 = 6
| nationalgoals5 = 0
| nationalyears6 = 2024–
| nationalteam6 = Denmark
| nationalcaps6 = 1
| nationalgoals6 = 0
| club-update = 17:46, 12 April 2025 (UTC)
| nationalteam-update = 12:34, 19 November 2024 (UTC)
}}
Mads Roerslev Rasmussen ({{IPA|da|ˈmas ˈʁɶɐ̯s.le̝w}}; born 24 June 1999) is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a right-back or right wing-back for {{German football updater|Wolfsbur}} club VfL Wolfsburg, on loan from {{English football updater|Brentfor}} club Brentford. He represents the Denmark national team at international level.
Roerslev is a product of the FC Copenhagen academy. A fringe player after signing a professional contract, he transferred to English club Brentford in 2019 and was a part of the squad which was promoted to the Premier League in 2021. Roerslev was capped by Denmark at youth level and made his senior debut in 2024.
Club career
=FC Copenhagen=
A right-back, Roerslev progressed through the academy at F.C. Copenhagen and made his senior debut as a second-half substitute for Frederik Bay in a Danish Cup third round match versus Jammerbugt FC on 26 October 2016.{{WorldFootball.net|id=mads-roerslev-rasmussen}}{{Cite web |title=Mads Roerslev Rasmussen signs for Brentford B |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2019/august/mads-roerslev-signs-b-team/ |access-date=7 August 2019 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}} He capped a dream debut with a goal in the 6–1 victory.{{Cite web |title=To debutanter – tre mål |url=https://www.fck.dk/nyhed/debutanter-tre-maal |access-date=26 October 2016 |website=F.C. København |date=26 October 2016 |language=da}} Roerslev made four further appearances during the 2016–17 season and signed a new four-year contract in May 2017.{{Cite web |title=F.C. København forlænger med Mads Roerslev |url=https://www.fck.dk/nyhed/fc-koebenhavn-forlaenger-med-mads-roerslev |access-date=11 May 2017 |website=F.C. København |language=da}} He worked to improve his one-on-one defending with experienced right-back Tom Høgli.{{Cite web |title=Roerslev discusses his best defensive displays |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/news/article/interviews-mads-roerslev-feature-brentford-v-nottingham-forest-premier-league |access-date=27 April 2023 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}}
Down the pecking order at the Parken Stadium,{{Cite web |title=Mads Roerslev solgt til Brentford FC |url=https://www.fck.dk/nyhed/mads-roerslev-solgt-til-brentford-fc |access-date=7 August 2019 |website=F.C. København |language=da}} Roerslev appeared sparingly during the 2017–18 and 2018–19 seasons. He spent time away on loan at Halmstads BK and Vendsyssel FF,{{Cite web |title=FCK bekræfter: Sender Keita til Halmstad |url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/fck-bekraefter-sender-keita-til-halmstad/ |access-date=7 August 2019 |website=bold.dk|date=21 March 2017 }}{{Cite web |title=Ung FCK'er forlader Halmstad efter fodfejl |url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/ung-fcker-forlader-halmstad-efter-fodfejl/ |access-date=7 August 2019 |website=bold.dk|date=11 May 2017 }}{{Cite web |title=Mads Roerslev udlejet til Vendsyssel FF |url=https://www.fck.dk/nyhed/mads-roerslev-udlejet-til-vendsyssel-ff |access-date=28 December 2018 |website=F.C. København |language=da}} but made few appearances for either club, which hindered his development. Entering the 2019–20 season completely out of favour,{{Cite web |last=Jensen |first=Anders |date=12 November 2024 |title=Dømt helt ude: 'Du bliver nødt til at hjælpe' |url=https://www.tipsbladet.dk/nyhed/landshold/kasseret-i-dansk-klub-nu-er-han-paa-landsholdet |access-date=12 November 2024 |website=Tipsbladet.dk}} Roerslev departed FC Copenhagen in August 2019, after making 13 appearances and scoring one goal during three seasons as a senior player at the club.
=Brentford=
File:Mads Roerslev, Brentford F.C. footballer, July 2021.jpg in July 2021|300x300px]]
== 2019–2021 ==
On 7 August 2019, Roerslev moved to England to join the B team at Championship club Brentford on a two-year contract, with the option of a further year, for an undisclosed nominal fee.{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Jay |title=Brentford's 25 B team players: Where are they now? |url=https://theathletic.com/4120808/2023/01/25/brentford-b-team-25-players-where-now/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=25 January 2023 |website=The Athletic |language=en}} Roerslev broke into the first team squad in October 2019 and by March 2020, after 10 appearances, his performances led to him signing a new four-year contract and promotion into the first team squad.{{Cite web |title=Mads Roerslev signs new contract |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2020/march/mads-roerslev-signs-new-contract/ |access-date=8 March 2020 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}} Roerslev ended the 2019–20 season with 14 appearances.
A metatarsal injury suffered on international duty saw Roerslev miss the first four months of the 2020–21 season.{{Cite web |last=Marshall |first=Sam |title=The Long Read: Mads Roerslev |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2022/april/the-long-read-mads-roerslev/ |access-date=4 April 2022 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}} He returned to match play in early January 2021 and after a number of substitute cameos, an injury to his mentor, Henrik Dalsgaard, allowed him to break into the starting lineup in early April.{{Soccerway|id=421629|accessdate=27 April 2021}} He held onto his place until the end of the regular season and through the playoffs, which culminated in promotion to the Premier League after victory in the 2021 Championship play-off final, during which he assisted Emiliano Marcondes for one of the goals. Roerslev finished a breakthrough 2020–21 season with 22 appearances.
== 2021–2023 ==
Following the release of first-choice right back Henrik Dalsgaard,{{Cite web |title=Farewell to Henrik Dalsgaard |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2021/june/farewell-to-henrik/ |access-date=4 April 2022 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}} a change in formation to 3-5-2 saw Roerslev begin the 2021–22 season behind stand-in right wing back Sergi Canós in the pecking order. The pair traded the position during the season.{{Cite web |last=Bennett |first=Dan |date=21 June 2022 |title=Four areas Brentford need to strengthen this summer |url=https://www.westlondonsport.com/brentford/four-areas-brentford-need-to-strengthen-this-summer |access-date=26 June 2022 |website=West London Sport |language=en-GB}} Approaching the midway point of the season, mounting injuries in the central defensive positions saw Roerslev deployed in a right centre back role.{{Cite web |title="We will try to be as aggressive and front-footed as normal" |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2021/november/thomas-frank-pre-newcastle-united-interview/ |access-date=21 November 2021 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}}{{Cite news |title=Howe influenced Newcastle from hotel room |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/59271463 |access-date=21 November 2021}}{{Cite web |last=Majid |first=Uzzi |date=12 December 2021 |title=Roerslev praises Brentford belief after mounting late comeback win vs Watford |url=https://www.football.london/brentford-fc/brentford-manchester-united-mads-roerslev-22437736 |access-date=12 December 2021 |website=Football.London |language=en}} He finished the 2021–22 season with 26 appearances and one goal, scored with the winner in a 2–1 Premier League victory over Aston Villa on 2 January 2022.
After beginning the 2022–23 season behind new signing Aaron Hickey and right-sided defender Kristoffer Ajer in the right back pecking order,{{Cite web |last=Bennett |first=Dan |date=28 December 2022 |title=Brentford set to recall Stevens from Swansea loan |url=https://www.westlondonsport.com/brentford/brentford-set-to-recall-stevens-from-swansea-loan |access-date=31 December 2022 |website=West London Sport |language=en-GB}} injuries to both players led to Roerslev assuming the starting right back role in mid-October 2022. He signed a new three-year contract in February 2023 and finished the season with 23 appearances.{{Cite web |title=Roerslev signs new contract |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/news/article/mads-roerslev-signs-new-brentford-contract |access-date=15 February 2023 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}}
== 2023–present ==
The early months of 2023–24 mirrored that of the previous season, with injury to Aaron Hickey in late-October 2023 allowing Roerslev to take over the starting right back role.{{Cite web |title=Hickey suffers injury setback |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/news/article/first-team-aaron-hickey-brentford-scotland-injury-update-fpl |access-date=2 March 2024 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}} He ended the campaign with a season-high 38 appearances and one goal, scored in a 2–2 draw with Chelsea on 2 March 2024.
Owing to Brentford entering the 2024–25 season without either first-choice full back,{{Cite web |title=Frank staunchly defends Roerslev after Fulham performance |url=https://hounslowherald.com/frank-staunchly-defends-roerslev-after-fulham-performance-p26550-308.htm |access-date=12 November 2024 |website=hounslowherald.com}} Roerslev was again the only recognised right back available and competed for the position with stand-ins Kristoffer Ajer and Sepp van den Berg.{{Cite web |date=30 August 2024 |title=Aaron Hickey's latest setback labelled "tough and devastating" by Thomas Frank |url=https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2024/08/29/premier-league/1194386-aaron-hickeys-latest-setback-labelled-tough-and-devastating-by-thomas-frank.html |access-date=12 November 2024 |website=Vavel |language=en}} He made 23 appearances prior to departing to join Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg on loan for the remainder of the season on 27 January 2025.{{Cite web |title=Roerslev joins Wolfsburg on loan |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/news/article/first-team-mads-roerslev-joins-wolfsburg-on-loan-brentford |access-date=27 January 2025 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}} The transfer included an option to buy at the end of the 2024–25 season.
International career
Roerslev was capped Denmark at every level between U17 and U21.{{DBU player|id=7574}} He was a member of the Denmark squads at the 2016, 2018 and 2021 UEFA European U17, U19 and U21 Championships respectively.{{Cite web |title=Mads Bech Sørensen and Mads Roerslev in Denmark's Under-21 Euros squad |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2021/march/mads-roerslev-and-mads-bech-sorensen-confirmed-in-denmarks-under-21-euros-squad/ |access-date=15 March 2021 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}} In May 2022, Roerslev was called into the senior team's training camp prior to its opening 2022–23 Nations League A matches.{{Cite web |title=Mads Bech receives first senior call-up for Denmark |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2022/may/mads-bech-receives-first-senior-call-up-for-denmark/ |access-date=24 May 2022 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}} Following the withdrawal of Alexander Bah, Roerslev won his maiden call into the Denmark squad for a pair of friendly matches in March 2024 and he remained an unused substitute in both.{{Cite web |date=19 March 2024 |title=Endelig! Mads Roerslev er indkaldt til landsholdet |url=https://www.tipsbladet.dk/nyhed/landshold/nu-sker-det-roerslev-indkaldt-til-landsholdet |access-date=19 March 2024 |website=Tipsbladet.dk}} Two defensive suspensions saw Roerslev win his second call-up for a Nations League A match versus Switzerland on 15 October 2024 and he again remained an unused substitute.{{Cite tweet |number=1845389282556485644 |user=dbulandshold |title=Mads Roerslev indkaldes til Herrelandsholdet Lars Knudsen har efter karantæner til Victor Kristiansen og Morten Hjulmand indkaldt Brentfords Mads Roerslev, så truppen til kampen mod Schweiz nu er på 23. 📸 @fbbillederdk #ForDanmark}} Injury to Joakim Mæhle saw Roerslev receive his third call-up for the following pair of Nations League A matches in November 2024. He made his debut with a start in the second match, a 0–0 draw with Serbia.
Style of play
A right-back, Roerslev "is very good offensively – he is a good crosser of the ball, very good one-on-one, quick and energetic to get up and down the pitch. He is also good defending one-on-one".
Personal life
Career statistics
= Club =
{{updated|match played 11 April 2025}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes Danish Cup, FA Cup, DFB-Pokal}} !colspan="2"|League cup{{efn|Includes EFL Cup}} !colspan="2"|Europe !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total | |||||||||||
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps
!Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="4"|Copenhagen
|3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | colspan="2"|― | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|― | 5 | 1 | ||
| 2017–18
|Danish Superliga |2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|― | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|― | 3 | 0 | ||
| 2018–19
|Danish Superliga |0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|― | 4{{efn|Appearances in UEFA Europa League}} | 0 | colspan="2"|― | 5 | 0 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!5 | 0 | 4 | 1 | colspan="2"|― | 4 | 0 | colspan="2"|― | 13 | 1 | ||
| Halmstads BK (loan)
|2017 |1 | 0 | colspan="2"|― | colspan="2"|― | colspan="2"|― | colspan="2"|― | 1 | 0 | ||||
| Vendsyssel FF (loan)
|Danish Superliga |4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|― | colspan="2"|― | 1{{efn|Appearance in Danish Superliga relegation play-offs}} | 0 | 6 | 0 | ||
| rowspan="7" |Brentford
|2019–20{{Soccerbase season|id=98626|season=2019|access-date=28 October 2019}} |11 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|―
|1{{efn|name=CPO|Appearance(s) in Championship play-offs}} | 0 | 14 | 0 | ||
| 2020–21{{Soccerbase season|id=98626|season=2020|access-date=5 January 2021}}
|Championship |17 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|― | 3{{efn|name=CPO}} | 0 | 22 | 0 | |
| 2021–22{{Soccerbase season|id=98626|season=2021|access-date=15 August 2021}}
|20 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | colspan="2"|― | colspan="2"|― | 26 | 1 | ||
| 2022–23{{Soccerbase season|id=98626|season=2022|access-date=7 August 2022}}
|Premier League |20 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|― | colspan="2"|― | 23 | 0 | ||
| 2023–24{{Soccerbase season|id=98626|season=2023|access-date=13 August 2023}}
|Premier League |34 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|― | colspan="2"|― | 38 | 1 | ||
| 2024–25{{Soccerbase season|id=98626|season=2024|access-date=18 August 2024}}
|Premier League |19 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | colspan="2"|― | colspan="2"|― | 23 | 0 | ||
| colspan="2" |Total
!121 | 2 | 11 | 0 | 10 | 0 | colspan="2" |― | 4 | 0 | 146 | 2 | |
| VfL Wolfsburg (loan)
|5 |0 |0 |0 | colspan="2" |― | colspan="2" |― | colspan="2" |― |5 |0 | |||||||||||
| colspan="3" |Career total
!138 | 2 | 15 | 1 | 10 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 181 | 3 |
{{notelist}}
= International =
{{updated|match played 18 November 2024}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year | |||
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denmark
|2024 | 1 | 0 | |
| colspan="2" |Total | 1 | 0 |
Honours
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- {{Soccerbase}}
- {{DBU player|7574}}
- [https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/teams/profile/mads-roerslev Mads Roerslev] at Brentford F.C.
- {{Premier League player}}
- {{UEFA player}}
{{VfL Wolfsburg squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Roerslev, Mads}}
Category:Footballers from Copenhagen
Category:Danish men's footballers
Category:Denmark men's youth international footballers
Category:Denmark men's under-21 international footballers
Category:Men's association football defenders
Category:F.C. Copenhagen players
Category:Vendsyssel FF players
Category:Brentford F.C. players
Category:Danish Superliga players
Category:English Football League players
Category:Danish expatriate men's footballers
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Sweden
Category:Danish expatriate sportspeople in England
Category:Danish expatriate sportspeople in Sweden
Category:Danish expatriate sportspeople in Germany
Category:Premier League players
Category:21st-century Danish sportsmen
Category:Denmark men's international footballers
Category:VfL Wolfsburg players