As ever I have compiled my end of season review for Linköping FC. What a season for the club with the SM Guld and Olympic Silver!
It will be a season of change for sure, but here is my personal review of each player and how they have performed. Marks out of 10!
Goalkeeper
Casja Andersson
At the start of the season, I had to ask myself “Who?”. When Fraine departed from the club I, and may others, were expecting a bigger signing. However, it just shows that sometimes you need to trust the manager! Casja has become the number one and what a first season! Confident, calm and the best shot stopper in the league. Casja is vital to the success of Linköping and will be number one for many years to come.
Season Rating 9/10
Matilda Haglund
Still relatively unknown but has vast experience for a 19-year-old. Won the U-19 European championships and what I have seen I have been impressed with. Solid backup for Casja.
Season Rating 6/10
Defence
Janni Arnth
Another solid season for Janni. Her experience and international knowledge have been core in the heart of defence. The defence has a young average age, and Janni uses her game to full extent. Solid tackler, good in the air and marks her opponents out of the match. Not a prolific goal scorer but a solid world class centre back that has stood out again as a pivotal part of the Linköping defence.
Season Rating 8/10
Jessica Samuelsson
A senior player at the age of 24 shows just how far Jessie has come. Now a national defender she has not missed a game all season. A ferocious tackler, quick and fast to cut our defenders and her wing back role is growing with each season. One of the most important players Linköping has. A natural talent from Östergotland. Jessie has had a wonderful season that sees her first SM Guld and Olympic silver medal.
Season Rating 8.5/10
Magdalena Ericsson
First season as captain and has not disappointed in the role. Just 23 years old and has led the team to SM Guld. 19 games and led from the start. Organises the back four with calm and precision. Solid in the air, brilliant in defence and going forward a threat for any team. Not easy to fill the boots of the best captain in LFC history but there has never been a worthier captain. A fantastic year for Magdalena.
Season Rating 9/10
Jonna Andersson
134 games for LFC and her second SM Guld. Broken into the national team and at right back has found her natural position. Jonna has been exceptional this season. Every game she has given the best a player can give. Great in defence, incredible going forward. It is no surprise that Jonna is now the national choice at right back.
Solid, quick, reads the game well. Her presence has been paramount to Linköping’s FC success this year. A key player, the brick wall of defence. For me, our player of the year.
Season Rating 10/10
Midfield
Marianne Gajhade Knudsen
One of the longest serving players. In her sixth season at Linköping. 115 league games for Linköping. Her forward way of playing and tackling are rare and she has been more consistent than ever this season. Never seems to tire, never seems to let her head drop. Made some outstanding contributions in defence this year. At 31 years of age no player deserves her first SM Guld than Marianne
Season Rating 8/10
Emma Lennartsson
Fourth season at Linköping and another impressive season. Less games than previous seasons but always giving a great contribution and dedication per season. First season without a goal but that means nothing compared to the way Emma has given her contribution each time. Forever running, forever attacking. Emma is a pure game player
Season Rating 7/10
Renne Slegers
Overcame two hard seasons of injuries to play 16 games this season. Her most games since 2013. Grafted and worked hard in midfield this year when called upon, her dead ball skills are almost as surprising as her hard tackling. Never afraid to mark some of the world’s best players Renne is a pillar of Linköping strength this season.
Season Rating 8/10
Claudia Neto
One of the unsung heroes of the team. Played every single game this season. No goals but that is the best part of her game. When you think of Portugal and number 7 you instantly think of Ronaldo. If Ronaldo had a female equal it’s Claudia but for many different reasons. Claudia has played attacking midfield, winger, central and defensive midfield. Her ability this year to break up games, change the flow has been second to none. One of Linköping’s most outstanding international players. A key player
Season Rating 8.5/10
Tove Almqvist
Tove has not been shy in staking her claim for a full first team place. Eleven appearancess and one goal but make no mistake that Tove played her heart out in every game, Crucial in cup appearances she has been always reliable. Next year she can stake a bigger claim to a first team place.
Season Rating 7/10
Kristine Minde
Scored THE goal to win the league. Her third season at LFC and already played every game except three in three years! 11 goals this year. We have the best attacking midfielder in the league. Her dead ball skills, free kicks and passing are the best in the team. Has scored crucial goals this year and she is established herself as the key attacking midfielder in the team. Vital that Linköping keep hold of Kristine. She is vital to the success of the team.
Season Rating 9/10
Attack
Stina Blackstenius
So much hype in the past and this season Stina has stepped up into the player that defines the hype. After a tough 2015 season Stina has shown the world what her potential truly is about. 17 goals in 20 games and her Olympic experience matured her into the natural talent that we all know. If Harder does leave Linköping I would like to see Stina stay a while longer. Martin can build the team around her and Champions League experience would be so crucial in her career. Vital goals scored this season, second highest in the league. I would pay anything to prolong her LFC career.
Simply the most exciting Swedish talent to emerge in years.
Season Rating 9/10
Fridolina Rolfö
Tough season for Fridolina. After a serious injury Fridolina is back playing regular football. We all know how talented Fridolina is. She has had a tough road back and it’s great to see her play. We hope that she has an injury free 2017 season. If Harder and Blackstenius leave Rolfö will become the number one striker and is able to be the best. Three goals in the league this year it is going to be a great season ahead and an aim to break into the national side is a must.
Pernille Harder
What can you say? Just what can you say about Pernille? Possibly her final season at Linköping. She has re-written every record there is in the club. Yet again the league’s highest scorer, the all-time Linköping record for goals. I cannot think of any word to describe Pernille except one, Phenomenal.
As I write 18 goals this year 65 goals in 110 games for the club. Personally the best player I have ever seen. When she does finally leave the club we should build a statue outside the Linköping Arena.
In all honesty I could write a million words, it would not be enough. In the world of women’s football, we would love to keep Pernille forever. But we have to accept we have been lucky to witness the greatest Linköping player of all time.
Season Rating 10/10
Sara Olai
Three games for this young player. Great to see a young player break through the ranks. Hope to see more game time in cup and league next year. A quick and tricky player!
Season Rating 6/10
Emiila Larsson
Third year at LFC and eight games this year. A solid attacker that holds the ball up well and can be an Ariel threat. One goal this year, a dependable player that has the chance to grow.
Season Rating 6.5/10
Manager
Martin Sjögren
Masterclass in football management. Absolute masterclass! Took the players he believed in and gave them the belief to become champions. He knew the players from U-19 and never backed down. Without question Sweden’s next women’s manager.
Season Rating 10/10
My Top three players of the year
Third Place
Magdalena Ericsson
Runner Up
Pernille Harder
My Player Of The Year 2016
Jonna Andersson
