The Robins secured a 2-0 friendly win over Plymouth ArgylePlymouth Argyle play Bristol City in a friendly during pre-season on July 26, 2025 at the EV Charger points stadium in Plymouth, England. (Photo by Rogan/Bristol City)(Image: Rogan/Bristol City)

Bristol City head coach Gerhard Struber has shared his verdict on Emil Riis after the Robins’ forward scored twice in their 2-0 friendly win over Plymouth Argyle, insisting he will be “an important player” for the Reds this season.

Riis shone as City put in their most complete performance of their preseason campaign so far, scoring a first-half double before being substituted for Sinclair Armstrong on the hour mark.

The Dane first showed his quality five minutes into the tie, running onto a Jason Knight ball into the box and taking a touch before unleashing a powerful attempt goalwards from a wide angle, and forcing Luca Ashby-Hammond into an impressive save.

Twenty minutes later, Riis got himself on the scoresheet, completing a City counterattack with a composed finish inside the box, which flew past the Argyle goalkeeper.

“You can see his qualities in the first goal, I think it wasn’t an overstatement for himself, and how he can score. He’s very clinical in the opponent’s box, he’s also physically powerful, and I think he is also ready to be always in a good balance. He has a nose for a goal. So in this direction, he’s an important player for us,” Struber told Bristol Live after the full-time whistle.

Plymouth Argyle play Bristol City in a friendly during pre-season on July 26, 2025 at the EV Charger points stadium in Plymouth, England. (Photo by Rogan/Bristol City)(Image: Rogan/Bristol City)

After 38 minutes, Riis doubled his tally, positioning himself at the back post as a target for Anis Mehmeti, knowing the winger would cut in from the left, anticipating the ball perfectly and quickly firing in the Robins’ second, impressing Struber.

“It is very important that my strikers come in moments like that and build confidence, and build conviction. In this way, I’m also very, very happy,” he said.

Following Riis’ second, the Robins cruised into the break, and remained in control throughout the second half, creating several chances, and executing their new high-energy style that Struber has implemented, creating turnovers in the attacking half on several occasions.

When Riis was removed from play after 60 minutes, the Robins showed the same intent, whilst offering something different at the top end of the pitch as the Plymouth back line struggled to deal with the speed of Armstrong.

Plymouth Argyle play Bristol City in a friendly during pre-season on July 26, 2025 at the EV Charger points stadium in Plymouth, England. (Photo by Rogan/Bristol City)(Image: Rogan/Bristol City)

Struber’s side were unlucky not to add two more goals in the final minutes. Dead-ball specialist Scott Twine hit the crossbar from a free-kick just outside the area after 86 minutes, before Armstrong displayed some nice footwork when moving inside from the right and positioned himself well to have a shot well-saved from a difficult angle three minutes later.

After another high-energy display, the Robins’ head coach was left feeling positive about their preparation for the upcoming Championship season.

“We are a step further in the process. I think we did many things in a good way today. I can see good steps in all phases, but the most important thing is the energy, attitude, and how we want to bring our style of play on the field. This impressed me today,” said Struber.

“We know that we do not have so much time for ourselves until the season starts, so it was an important, necessary step today that we show ourselves in this direction. We know the performance was good, but we have to do it in the Championship, especially as the opponents in the Championship bring many things to the table.

“We know we have to improve some things still. Our game management was not always super sexy, so we still have to do some things, but yeah, we are close, and of course, we are also very excited to jump into the Championship.”