The new season is beginning. The players are back from their winter breaks. A change in management and many changes on the pitch make this a far different Linköping side from when we finished so strong last season. Here is the new line up as of Jan 21 2013, any new signings will be added.
Here is a run down of the team for 2013 with faces new and old.
-
Goalkeepers
Sofia Lundgren
Last season was a key season for Sofia. When England’s number one Karen Bardsley signed for Linköping the pressure on Sofia to perform. And perform she did! Often keeping Linköping in games they could easily lost, Lundgren proved why she is one of the top goalkeepers in Sweden. Now in her fourth year at LFC Lundgren is playing the best football of her life and has every reason to become Sweden’s number one goalkeeper for Euro 2013.
Lina Ringshamre
New player that has arrived from Sundsvall. Still only 19 but a very promising young goalkeeper. If Lundgren is not fit then Ringshamre, can step up and perform. A member of the U-19 team that won the European Championships this year, Lina is one for the future and will learn a lot from watching Lundgren play.
-
DEFENCE
Magdelena Ericsson
New arrival from Djurgården. Arriving with Ringshamre as a member of the gold winning U19 Swedish team, Ericsson is a versatile and promising young defender, quick, good eye for a pass and who can play in the centre of defence as well.
Jennie Nordin
Another young arrival and gold medal winner in the U19. Nordin is a throw back to the defenders of old. Good in defence but also can play in attack. Nordin has great composure for big games and will certainly be pushing for a place in the first team soon.
Charlotte Rohlin
We welcome back our inspirational captain and Lionheart! Out for nearly all of 2012 after suffering a horrific ACL injury Charlotte will be crucial to Linköping this season. Not much more needs to be said about our captain and leader. Capped 51 times for Sweden and played over 170 games for Linköping Rohlin is still one of the best central defenders in the world.
Jessica Samuelsson
For me one of the best players in 2011, had a bit of a quiet 2012 but has matured from a young player into a world-class wingback. One of the bravest defenders in Damallsveskan Samuelsson will never back down from a challenge. This has propelled her into recognition for the Swedish 2013 team. Some fine performances for Linköping early this year and I have no doubt she will be there.
Maja Krantz
With Rohlins injury last year Maja played some solid football. Rock steady in defence she has firmly established herself as a Linköping favourite. Now in her fifth season Krantz will certainly be needed and is an essential part of the team, also a good role model for the new arrivals.
-
MIDFIELD
Nilla Fischer
Last seasons captain due to Rohlin’s injury Fischer proved why she has captained the National Team. Led by character and example. A world-class defensive midfielder, and central defender. With almost 100 caps for Sweden Fischer is in the form of her life right now and will certainly be one of our key players in 2013.
Emma Lennartsson
A new arrival from Norrköping IFK where she played alongside former Linköping player Dafina Memedov. Emma is a promising midfielder with not much experience but will certainly learn from the likes of Fischer. Hope to see Emma play in some cup games this year.
Renee Slegers
New signing from Djurgården. Following two seasons of injury Renee has established herself as a full Dutch International player, with 25 caps and is certain to be a member of the Dutch 2013 team. A great passer, good from free kicks and in the air. A great buy for Linköping and she should be a regular member of the first team.
Mariann Gajhede
Great passer of the ball who is as good with her left as she is her right. Established herself as one of the best central midfielders in the league in 2012. Danish international with 80 caps and has played in the World Cup. A key player for Linköping this year.
Petra Larsson
Emerged as a leading player for Linköping and one of the most consistent players in the league. In her 7th season now at Linköping and her defensive midfield ability will certainly put her in contention for Sweden’s 2013 team. Currently on loan with Melbourne Victory in Australia Petra will be playing for the gold medal next weekend and has been rated highly as one of the best players in the W-League. Vital player for Linköping in 2013
Tilda Heimersson
A gifted young player whose career has been blighted by injury. Out for most of 2011 & 2012 it is still unknown when Tilda will make a comeback due to her leg injury. Another ACL injury but we are all keeping our fingers crossed that Tilda is training very soon. A great young talent that we hope has a long healthy future with Linköping. Won her first Swedish cap before her injuries began.
Pernille Harder
Arrived in July 2012 and instantly has turned into one of our most crucial players. Aged just 20 she has already scored 15 goals in 28 appearances for Denmark. Shows maturity way beyond her years, reads the game superbly and passes with vision and accuracy. With a goal record too it is clear to see why so many are talking about Harder being one of the most exciting young players in the world.
-
ATTACK/FORWARDS
Stina Blackstenius
Aged just 16 Stina is an immense talent for a player so young. This player has all the skills to make her a future Swedish star. She scored an incredible 38 goals for Vadstena last seaon. Not a player to be rushed and she will only become a better player playing in this league. A real star in the making.
Linda Sallstrom
Top scorer in 2010 but injured for all of last season. Quick, fast and very difficult for any defender to mark. Injury free Linda is now raring for the new season to begin. With the departure of De Vanna and Mellis, Sallstrom is once again the number one striker in the club and her goals will be vital for success this year.
Jonna Andersson
Now in her fifth year at Linköping Jonna’s place in the team was limited by new signings. However with the departure of last seasons strikers Jonna will certainly be featuring more this year. A good header of the ball and strikes the ball cleanly with both feet. With Sallstrom they should form a deadly strike force.
