Morten Frendrup

Brøndby

Early career

Frendrup started playing for local team Tuse IF before moving to Holbæk B&I. During this time he also joined the Brøndby IF academy at the under-14 level, playing for both clubs for a short period. When Frendrup finished primary education, he began attending Brøndby Idræts efterskole, a five-minute walk from the Brøndby IF training ground. Frendrup won the Danish under-15 Cup on 11 May 2016 in a 1–0 victory against FC Nordsjælland. At under-17 level, he captained the team to a second-place finish in the league behind winners AGF.

2017–20: Breakthrough

At the age of 16 in summer 2017, Frendrup was included in the first-team training camp in Austria together with fellow academy players Christian Enemark and Andreas Bruus. In December 2017, he signed a new contract with Brøndby, keeping him in the club until the summer of 2020. At the age of 16 on 11 February 2018, Frendrup made his senior debut in a 3–1 victory against Lyngby Boldklub in the Danish Superliga. He was brought on as a substitute in the 85th minute, becoming the youngest player to appear for Brøndby, 37 days younger than second on the list, Magnus Warming. On 15 March 2018, Frendrup signed his first professional contract, keeping him at the club until 2021. During the 2019–20 season, Frendrup started playing more regularly in the fall due to long-term injuries to starters Lasse Vigen, Simon Tibbling, and Josip Radošević. His performances during these games were…

Frendrup was included in the squad for the 2018 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. He played all three of his team's matches as a starter but the Danes failed to advance from the group stage. He gained 13 caps for Denmark under-19, obtained between 2018 and 2020. He wore the captain's armband twice. On 3 September 2021, Frendrup gained his first cap for the Denmark under-21 team in a 1–1 friendly draw against Greece. Frendrup was called up to the senior Denmark national team for the first time for the Nations League games against Switzerland and Serbia in September 2024. He debuted against the latter opponent on 8 September at Parken Stadium, replacing Victor Kristiansen in the 82nd minute of Denmark's 2–0 victory.

A right-footed midfielder, Frendrup has been described as an all-rounder with relentless energy. He has excellent ball-winning abilities, and has been noted to fill in at different positions, including left-back and right-back. He has been likened to former Brøndby midfielder Christian Nørgaard. During his time at Genoa, Frendrup solidified his reputation as a versatile and tireless player, leading the league in both balls won (122) and successful tackles (131) while receiving only six yellow cards during the 2023–24 Serie A season. He also ranked sixth in Serie A for duels won (215) and was among the top eight players for interceptions (50). Additionally, he was in the top four for distance covered during matches. His ability to play multiple midfield roles, including defensive midfielder, mezzala, and even as a wing-back, underscores his adaptability and importance to the team. Frendrup's low-profile, high-impact style of play, characterised by his exceptional timing and work rate, made him a key figure in Genoa's midfield.

Morten Wetche Frendrup was born on 7 April 2001 in Tuse, Holbæk Municipality, where he also grew up. He is the third and youngest child of Marianne Wetche, a teacher, and Jan Frendrup, a real estate agent and part-time board member of the local sports club Tuse IF. He has one older brother, Lasse, and an older sister, Kristine.