First, he gained international recognition playing in Italy, rather than moving abroad after his international call-up as is usual with Danish footballers. Second, his phenomenal success in Italy was a surprise given his previous background as a workmanlike Danish club footballer.

The transition of Helveg from journeyman midfielder to Danish international mirrored the change in fortunes enjoyed by the club he joined in 1994.

Udinese were languishing in the lower reaches of Serie B, but by 1997/98 they had finished third in Serie A with Helveg forming part of the so-called 'holy trinity' with Oliver Bierhoff and Alberto Zaccheroni.

Helveg earned further praise after a number of commanding performances in France 98 with both Ajax and Milan vying for his signature.

He joined Milan where he has sometimes been a peripheral figure but this has not affected his selection for Denmark where he has amassed almost 50 caps and scored two goals.

He made his international debut in a 3-1 win against Hungary in 1994, and usually saves his best performances for tournament competition.