Well, another Damallsvenskan season comes to an end. What another year it has been for Linköping FC! Back to back championship’s and so far, Quarter-Finalists in the Champions League with the return home league against Prague next week.
As ever it has been a season where there have been players coming, players going. We have seen some legends leave and some stars being born.
Here is my season appraisal of each player and my hopes and wishes for 2018
Goalkeepers
Casja Andersson
A keeper who has undoubtedly established herself as one of the leagues most excellent keepers. Solid, reliable, has made many vital saves in games that turned draws into wins. Reminds me of a young Sofia Lundgren and that is never a bad thing! In a time where the Swedish National Team has some of the finest goalkeepers in the world. It’s safe to say that Casja is knocking on the door. Can work on being more vocal with the defence.
Season Rating (out of 10) 8.5
Matilda Haglund
Just the one league game played and was hard to watch. Sometimes the hardest games can be the best lesson in life. Matilda is only twenty and from what I have seen a substantial back up in goal which can learn a lot from Casja. One game does not make a player, and I look forward to seeing Matilda get more experience next year.
Season Rating (out of 10) 6
Defence
Janni Arnth
The Vital experience was needed this season and Janni indeed supplied that in all areas, both on and off the pitch. An old-fashioned centre back with towering aerial presence leads from the heart and a stand out tackler. Unlucky to be injured so early in the Euro 2017 campaign and very unfortunate not to get a gold medal. Janni can bring experience to the Champions League campaign and is a vital player needed for next season.
Season Rating (out of 10) 8
Maja Kildemoes
Excellent first season and has settled into the team well. Just 21 has excelled into one of the league’s most promising defenders. Quick on the ball, a good dead ball taker and has weighed in with five goals this campaign making her a productive player both up front and in defence. No yellow cards in 20 games show that Maja is a timely tackler of the ball and also after losing two key defenders has become part of the backbone of our defence.
Season Rating (out of 10) 8.5
Lisa Lantz
Experienced signing at the start of the season and has been reliable and dependable all season when needed. Has played well when needed, times her runs well knows how to read the game and has a good way of breaking up counter attack football. All in all, a terrific player that I hope can get another season next year
Season Rating (out of 10) 7
Wilma Thörnqvist
Just seventeen and two sub appearances it is hard to judge Wilma this season. Will be given more cup time and league time I am sure next season. From what I have seen a quiet player on the pitch but can surround herself with the likes of Arnth to grow as a player.
Season Rating (out of 10) 6
Anna Oskarsson
I remember seeing Anna at Hammarby for two seasons and was impressed by her strength and determination. Can play as a defender or midfielder and her combative power and crunching tackles make her a player that can comfortably fit into any game. Has performed when needed and will continue to do so.
Season Rating (out of 10) 6.5
Jonna Andersson
What can you say, Jonna’s eighth season and third championship with Linköping. She has become the heart of the defence and seeing Jonna progress as a player has been like watching your little sister grow into a woman. We have been proud to see her into the national team and win honors there. Strong, quick, fantastic crosser and a powerhouse of a wing back. My fear is this could be Jonna’s last season. She has a lot to offer. If so it’s been an absolute honor to watch our most decorated player.
Season Rating (out of 10) 9
Those who left the club
Jessica Samuelsson
Legend. Never wanted to see Jessie leave. Best full back I think we have ever had. Arsenal are lucky to have one of the world’s best defenders.
Magdalena Eriksson
Our captain also said farewell with a move to Chelsea. Already you can see the effect it has had as Chelsea are unbeaten! Hard to replace, and another player I never wanted to see leave. Another LFC Legend
Midfield
Irma Helin
Here is a player I would like to see more of. Useful when I have seen her play. A useful midfielder that causes the opposition problems. Good vision, sharp on and off the ball. Will be hard to read how she sits in with the team for 2018 but I hope we keep her.
Season Rating (out of 10) 6.5
Emma Lennartsson
For me, Emma has been a valued member of this year’s squad. Has been with the team five year’s now and has now won her second championship gold. Defensive approach but with aerial ability and ground speed to quickly turn defence into attack. Hope that we get to see Emma for many years to come. A very valued member of the squad.
Season Rating (out of 10) 7.5
Tove Almqvist
Now in her fourth year at Linköping, this has been the season where Tove has grown into a senior squad player. Played in all but one league game and two goals to her account. Playing a bit deeper this season, Tove is another player I would like to see going forward a little more. At just 21 Tove has the potential to become one of the leading midfielders in the division over the next 2-3 years. I hope that is with LFC!
Season Rating (out of 10) 8
Claudia Neto
For me last year’s player of the season. Claudia has played very well this season but not quite hit the highs of 2016/17. Defensive as a rock, firm and brings a massive wealth of experience to the team. Claudia for me can be an effective midfielder, but I would like to see Kim give her more room to drift wide. That is where she shines for Portugal and can for us as well.
Season Rating (out of 10) 8
Johanna Rasmussen
What can you say? One of the all-time greats! But injury meant she had to miss the whole season. Felt for Johanna.
Season Rating (out of 10) N/A
Emmaliina Tulkki
Outstanding first season! At seventeen she has come into the team and league like a fish out of water. Her pace and speed make her an asset, and she has played up against some of the best players in Europe and held her own. Confident, brave and can only learn and improve moving forward. A star in the making
Season Rating (out of 10) 8.5
Frida Leonardsen Maanum
Another young player in her first season. Five games One goal. Attacking midfielder with a good head and two quick feet. Another I would like to see have more game time next season. I feel Maanum and Tulkki can be a very offensive midfield partnership given a chance.
Season Rating (out of 10) 7
Sara Olai
Unfortunately, no games this season but I would like to see LFC keep hold of Sara. Promising player
Season Rating (out of 10) N/A
Kosovare Asllani
I was very surprised when we announced we had re-signed one of the best in Europe. Half a season into and Kosovare plays as she has never left. I feel the only thing that is missing at the moment from her game is a goal! For a player who scored 17 goals from midfield in her first season at PSG, I want to see her in the number 9 role next year. A quality player who can only be a boost to any team worldwide. Creative, stylish and passionate on and off the field. World class player
Season Rating (out of 10) 7.5
Attack
Lina Hurtig
Very impressive first season! Powerful going forward and weighed in with five goals in 19 league games. Lina is still learning the formation that LFC have adapted, but I can only feel that the goals will continue to flow. A dangerous shot that defences fear. It is going to be a good 2018 for Lina for sure!
Season Rating (out of 10) 7.5
Nicoline Sørensen
Effective first year at the club. A player still learning the game even after playing for the top two teams in the country. Grabs every opportunity and never stops running. Peels off from defenders well but needs to just slow down a little when shooting, that can make her an extremely effective striker. Looking forward to her next year in attack!
Season Rating (out of 10) 7
Kristine Minde
For the fans, and myself, player of the season. Picked up from 2016 averaging a goal every two games. Kristine’s goals have been vital to the season’s success. Kirstine has emerged as one of the best attackers in the game. Hits with both feet, heads well, strong in physical one-to-ones. If there is one player, LFC must keep hold of next year it is Kristine
Season Rating (out of 10) 9
Alva Selerud
Another seventeen-year-old who has stepped up this season. Seven appearances are crucial to Alva’s progression. Quick, pacey player who can cause tricks and troubles for defences. Next season I feel will be another learning curve and goals will come.
Season Rating (out of 10) 7
Marija Banusic
A top goal scorer with 11 league goals. Marija has shown why she was a quality purchase from Eskilstuna. Sturdy, strong, physical player. At the moment, our strongest centre-forward. I’d like to see Marija playing as a complete number ten next year. It is her natural position. Great season and looking forward to seeing more goals next year!
Season Rating (out of 10) 8.5
Manager
Kim Björkegren
First season and league champions! An effective new formation that has taken some time to adjust to his change in style. My only criticism is that when Linköping do go down, he needs to pick the team up more. No more so than the 0-6 defeat to Eskilstuna last week. It will take time, but I like his approach and methods
Season Rating (out of 10) 8
My recommended signing for 2018
Tabitha Chawinga
League’s top scorer and more than likely to be available as her team went down. Would love to see Chawinga & Banusic up front.
Special Mention
Renee Slegers
A tough injury for Renee that I hope means she can somehow carry on playing wether at Linköping or elsewhere. Top quality player!
