Franculino Djú dominates with hat-trick as Midtjylland storm to lopsided win

Guinea-Bissau national team striker Franculino Djú is taking his performances to another level early in his third season with Danish side FC Midtjylland, making it five goals in two games with a hat-trick in Monday’s 6-2 Superliga victory over Sønderjyske.

The visitors opened the scoring inside ten minutes but that only prompted a furious response from hosts Midtjylland led by Franculino. The 21-year-old Benfica youth product equalized with a simple finish from a cross in the 17th minute and from then on the rout was on.

Adam Gabriel put last season’s Superliga runners-up ahead ten minutes later and then Franculino doubled his tally. In the 35th minute, a long throw-in was flicked on by Gabriel and the talented striker was perfectly positioned to turn in from close range.

Franculino then turned provider in the 65th minute, receiving a pass in the penalty area from Valdemar Byskov before turning and crossing for Byskov to finish off the clever combination movement. The hat-trick was complete for the Bissau native in the 75th minute when he converted from the penalty spot before Byskov set up Mads Bech Sorensen for Midtjylland’s sixth goal.

After a couple of strong seasons to begin his spell in Denmark, Franculino is becoming a hot commodity for Midtjylland and is showing signs of potential for a move to one of Europe’s top leagues. With five goals an an assist in two league games so far, Franculino now has 38 goals in 76 appearances across all competitions since joining ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.