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Preben Elkjær Larsen (born 11 September 1957 in Copenhagen) is a former Danish professional football player, simply referred to as Preben Elkjær. He was a striker and his aggressive style of play was well combined with the calmness and vision of the younger Michael Laudrup when they played side by side on the Danish national team from 1982–1988.
In 1984 he finished 3rd and in 1985 2nd in the Ballon D'or awards. Both times surpassed by Michel Platini and once by Jean Tigana.
Elkjær was known as a notorious smoker — to much dismay for his varying coaches. His playing style, though, was not short of breath, and was dominated by a rock-like determination. He never seemed to give up on a "lost" ball — from time to time resulting in a goal, when the opponent had deemed the ball over the line and out of play, only to see Elkjær chase it down.
He is one of the few players in the history of football who combined a tank-like physique with great dribbling abilities. Going on his own was one of his trademarks, sometimes to the frustration of his team mates, though more often to their joy, as he would often win a game all on his own. His aggression was matched by few and whenever he would receive the ball with his back to the goal he would immediately turn with the ball and attempt to head for goal. His shear will and determination mixed with his marvellous abilities made him a true inspiration for his team mates and a fan-favorite whereever he would play.
At international level, Elkjær made his international debut for Denmark on 22 June 1977, aged 19 years 284 days, at home against Finland, scoring both goals in a 2–1 win for his country. He played a prominent role in the UEFA Euro 1984, scoring two goals for the Danish team which paved the way for his move to Italian football. During the tournament the Danes looked promising, and played attractive attacking football, but they went out at the semi-final stage, losing to Spain on penalties. 
Elkjær most famously missed his penalty kick, sending the ball high over the goal.
Elkjær then played in the 1986 FIFA World Cup, where Denmark surprised many observers by progressing from the first round before being once again knocked out by Spain. In that tournament Elkjær scored four goals, including a hat-trick against Uruguay. He won the adidas Bronze Ball as the third best player in the tournament. In 1988, Elkjær received the last cap for his country on 14 June 1988, aged 30 years 277 days, when Denmark lost 2–0 to West Germany in the Euro 88 tournament. In total, he played 69 times for Denmark and scored 38 goals, and became one of the most loved footballers Denmark has ever seen. Elkjær had a famously no-nonsense and spirited approach to his role as a fox-in-the-box always lurking for a scoring opportunity. This coupled with a broad grin and cheeky humour endeared him to the crowds — if not the referees — and to this day he is regarded of as one of Scandinavia's all-time greatest forwards.(Wikipedia)
Preben Elkjær Photo
Preben Elkjaer Wallpaper
