After a short winter break Linköpings FC are back in pre-season training. Quite a lot has happened in the break, some long term players have left and several new signings have arrived. The excellent end to 2013 season will no doubt put the team in good spirits for the new season ahead.
This promises to be a great season at Linköpings FC!
Photos by Gustaf Pettersson
Towards the end of the month the team will fly out to Thailand for a game against the Thai national team. If I find a stream I’ll link it here. They also have a brand new blog (In Swedish) that will be updated during the tour.
Several key players left Linköping after the end of the season, including veterans Sofia Lundgren & Petra Larsson, also to leave were Eunice Beckmann, Pauline Hammarlund andBrianna Davey.
As of 16 January here is an insight into the main Linköpings team for 2014
Goalkeepers
Kaitlynn Fraine
New signing from Malbacken. Strong and promising goalkeeper from the USA. Though Kaitlynn had a tough season with Mallbacken her experience in playing in Sweden will be an asset to the team. With the departure of Sofia Lundgren, Kaitlynn will be aiming to cement her position as number 1 for Linköping.
Lina Ringshamre
Played half of the 2013 season due to Lundgren’s back injury. Will be starting 2014 as a much more experienced goalkeeper. Reliable and learning more each game, will be pushing Fraine for the goalkeeping position.
Defence
Charlotte Rohlin
Started 2013 gaining match fitness following missing all of 2012 with an ACL injury. Has been at Linköping since the start and almost at 200 games for the club. Towards the end of 2013 Rohlin was evidently back to her best. Leader both on and off the pitch, “Lotta” is a legend at Linköpings FC. Captain fantastic will need to be injury free to lead Linköping this year.
Jennie Nordin
After Fischer went to Wolfsburg Jennie has certainly become a talent in central defence. Still young but looks comfortable on and off the ball. Can score as well as defend. One of the most exciting young defenders in Sweden. Played eight games and looks like a star for the future. Playing alongside Rohlin will only improve Jennie’s game each match. Look forward to seeing her play.
Jessica Samuelsson
Currently on loan with Melbourne Victory. 2013 was a great year for Jessica. Her impressive displays in defence got her a place in the Swedish 2013 European cup side. Still only 21 but with a lot of experience. Jessica’s game has improved massively in the past two years. Dependable, reliable and certainly one of the best full backs in Sweden.
Magdalena Ericsson
One of the stand out young performers in the Linköping team in 2013. 19 games this season and 2 goals. Still only 20 years of age Magdalena has been rock solid in defence this season, and this is certainly the start of a great career with Linköping. Magdalena alongside Samuelsson is not afraid of a challenge or going forward.
Maja Krantz
In her 7th season at Linköping. Maja is one of the most consistent defenders in Sweden. Strong in the air, reads the game superbly and can break up attacks with her pinpoint passing. Will be a key player in 2014 for Linköping.
Midfield
Mariann Gajhede Knudsen
Vastly experienced Danish midfielder. Reliable in attack and defending Mariann has played nearly every game this season. Great tackler and passer. Almost 100 caps for Denmark. Not known for her goal scoring Mariann scored the opener against Sweden in the 2013 European opening game. Very powerful tackler.
Emma Lennartsson
Another young player that has exceeded all expectations last season. Has played in every game except one and scored one goal. Offers creativity, and a good dead ball kicker. Will be a first team regular this season. 2013 was a big breakthrough year and her creativity will be needed since the loss of Larsson.
Tove Almqvist
Exciting and naturally gifted midfielder signed from Nyköping. Has been on several clubs cards but glad that Linköping got her signature. Possesses a wonderful natural touch, can beat players with either foot. Has a decent shot also. Let’s hope Tove gets some game time this season.
Fridolina Rölfö
New signing from Jitex. Dynamic midfielder who can play defensive or attacking football. Offers a variety that Linköping has lacked at times. Will be interesting to see Fridolina in the team. Great signing!
Renee Slegers
One of the most consistent and impressive midfielders in Damallsvenskan. International and at 24 years of age already a seasoned professional. Attacking midfielder with a lethal long range ability. Four goals last year, her energy never seems to run out. Runs constantly for 90 minutes.
Kristine Minde
Attacking midfield/forward, a new signing from Norwegian side Arna-Bjørnar. Just 21 but already with 29 caps for Norway. Played in the final of the European Championships gaining a silver medal against Germany. First season in Sweden but with all her experience Kristine offers Linköping a wonderful option of attacking football.
Venera Rexhi,
Young signing in 2013. Plays in central or wide midfield. Just 18, very gifted with both feet. Plays with passion and given her chance will run at defence with no fear. Wonderful dribbler of the ball and will only get better with experience.
Attack
Stina Blackstenius
One of the most talented young players in Sweden. Stina is a talent that is only going to get better with age. Still only 18 Stina has all the quality to be a world-class player. This season will be a chance for Stina to prove just how lethal she is in front of goal. Stunning ability in the air and on the ground. Stina will be putting fear in every defence this year.
Pernille Harder
Without any question one of the leading strikers in world football. Once Pernille moved from midfield to attack she found her natural place with Linköping in 2013. Alongside Press and Marta, Pernille is one of the best stikers in the league. Harder is without a doubt the key to Linköpings future. Will be aiming to beat her amazing tally of 18 goals in 22 games last year.
Linda Sällstrom
After two years of horrific ACL injuries, Linda is back! Played several games towards the end of the season and we all keep our fingers crossed that Linda remains injury free for the rest of her life. Will be like a new signing this year. Fearless, powerful and holds the ball up very well. There in only one Linda Sällstrom and we all will be “Walking in a Linda wonderland” this season. It’s great to see her back.
Jonna Andersson
Many players would have not had the patience that Jonna has shown. Kept out of the team for most of the 2012 season Jonna has fought her way back into the squad and has played very well this season. 20 games, and three goals compared to 7 starts in 2012. Great to see Jonna be rewarded for her patience and Jonna will be a key player in 2014.
Images copyright of http://svenskfotboll.se
