Mark sent us an email asking us about young players in Norway, here are parts of our answer:
The best Norwegian talents are probably
Håvard Nordtveit, Nurnberg,
Thomas Rogne, Celtic,
Alexander Tettey, Rennes, plus a couple of Norwegians in Manchester United and Manchester City's Youth Academies.
However, todays list will focus on talents playing in Norway
TV2 has asked a couple of experts who they think are the
biggest talents in Tippeligaen, personally I would like to add
Markus Henriksen, Rosenborg,
Mikkel Diskerud, Stabæk, and
Joakim Våge Nilsen, Haugesund to the list that you can read below.
Per Ciljan Skjelbred, Erik Huseklepp, Tarik Elyounoussi and
Ruben Yttergård Jenssen are players that have been considered talents for a long time, and should probably leave for a bigger league to get out their potensial.
Christer Kleiven was awarded the talent of the month of April, the jury said:
"Christer has taken this spring's Norway soccer by storm. Through good play and spectacular goals, he has distinguished himself greatly in the Premier League.
The season 2009 was a disappointment for Christer due to injuries and little playing time in both Start and at the U-21 national team. It is therefore impressive that he has been working hard and determined to come back and now performs at a high level of Soccer - this is evidence of strength. Christer is a determined player with a large capacity, good eye for the game, good drive with the ball and excellent finishing skills. The potential is huge and he appears to be a great role model for future Norwegian soccer talents, "
The jury consists of Nils Johan Semb, Under-21 coach Øystein Gåre and J19 coach Jarl Torske.Auxerre is apperantly interested in signing Kleiven.
TV2's lists with comments:
Mads Stokkelien, Start:
- The major breakthrough of last year with 10 goals. A good finish, good movement as a forward and fearless in the battle game in front of goal. Good timing in the heading.
Vegar Eggen Hedestad, Stabæk
:
- Technical good central midfield player who was re-trained to left back last year with great success. Good one on one defensively, good speed and good passing.
Jo Inge Berget, Strømsgodset:
- On loan from Udinese to LYN last year, lent on to Strømsgodset year and is one of many exciting youngsters there. Technically good at small areas, fast and good as second attacker.
Marcus Pedersen, Strømsgodset:
- Tough striker who is uncompromising against opponents. Good finish with both legs and head, strong, quick and good in the game duel in the air. Could be ready for a bigger league already from 2011 if he keeps his progress.
Mohammed Keita, Strømsgodset:
- Quick and technical winger with good speed. Is good one-on-one offensive.
Nosa Emanuel Igiebor, LSK:
- Technical good midfield player who is especially good in the offensive game. Good at getting past opponents, good passing and is good at getting into the finishing positions from his midfield role.
Anthony Ujah, LSK:
- New signing in the LSK is a powerful and quick striker with a nose for goal, something he has shown this winter.
Bentley, Odd:
- Artist, dribbler and playmaker of the Odd through his good skills one-on-one offensive and accurate left foot which he uses frequently in the crossings and set pieces.
Fredrik Semb Berge, Odd:
Central defender. Good physics, football smart and calm and good with the ball in the legs.
Mohammed Fellah, Vålerenga:
- Can be one of the league's biggest profiles in this year's season through his excellent ball-handling, gorgeous through balls and very good shots.
Harmeet Singh, Vålerenga:
- Central midfielder who got his big break in 2009. Very good at running,, good with ball in tight situations and has developed greatly in terms of finishing skills.
Gjermund Åsen, Rosenborg:
- Played himself in to the U19 National Team during the winter, Good in tight situations and very nice passing and set piece foot. Looking forward to see if he gats a chance to play in a very solid Rosenborg midfield.
Jonathan Tollås Nation, Aalesund:
- Young talented central defender who has gained much confidence in Aalesund in the last two seasons and done well. Ball playing defender who is good in the air and with the ball on the ground
Fredrik Carlsen, Aalesund:
- Strong in the duels and his runs. The Midfielder is on loan from Vålerenga and he did very well for Aalesund in 2009. Fits perfectly in Aalesund's aggressive playing style.
