I was in Stockholm yesterday and decided to go and see my favorite football team, Linköping FC, take on last years Damallsvenskan champions Tyresö in a friendly.
I had never been to Tyresö’s ground before so when I arrived after a three-hour trip I was amazed to be told that the game had been moved half way across Stockholm because of the snow. Thank to some lovely people on Twitter I managed to find my way to the indoor arena. To say it was in the middle of nowhere would be about as accurate as I could explain. It took four trains, and a cold bus to arrive.
It’s been a summer of change for Linköping. New manager in Martin Sjögren, departures of world class players such as Manon Melis, Louise Fors and Lisa De Vanna.
Following Martin’s success with the Swedish U-19’s winning the European Championships he replaced a lot of the departing players with young newcomers. This season will be a combination of experienced players and an exciting blend of youth. Pre season gave a boost in the return of captain Lotta Rohlin after almost a year out injured, but also a recurring ACL injury to key striker Linda Sällström.
The game was barely 15 minutes old when stand in captain Nilla Fischer limped off with an injury. Meaning that it truly was a young inexperienced side facing the champions of Sweden and also some of the best players in the world such as Marta and Press.
I stayed the whole game; despite losing 5-0, this was an encouraging performance from Linköping. New players adapted well, and I was particularity impressed with Ringshamre in goal and the talented striker Blackstenius.
Tyresö certainly got people behind the ball with 6 in defence when Linköping countered. The long ball was also affective first half.
We are a team in transition, many new players arriving, and it will take time to blend as a team. I would say two years and Linköping will be challenging for gold in Sweden. This year I will settle for the top 3.
Highlights of the game for us were
Jessica Samuelsson coming forward a lot more, though the problem is she needs to be more vocal. Letting her team mates know she is in attack works. But she was caught out several times and found it difficult to cover the ground.
Stina Blacktenius – Possibly the most talented 16-year-old player I have seen to date. The only thing I would suggest is to shoot first time. She took the ball on her stronger foot, but shooting first time would have tested the keeper more.
Pernille Harder – Last seasons newcomer now a key player. Her dribbling with the ball is world class, must play just behind the top two strikers in an attacking midfield role.
Petra Larsson – After a successful season in Australia she has truly settled into the midfield role. Her passing and tackling were world class. Any success Linköping has this season Petra will be at the heart of it.
Ringshamre – Had my doubts when England’s number one goalkeeper Bardsley left Linköping but safe to say that we have a capable backup for Sofia Lundgren.
Off to see another friendly on the weekend then pick up my season ticket next week. Here is to a wonderful season!
Note to self – Learn how to use the Samsung Galaxy S3 Camera…..sorry for the quality!
