Match report:

A great game to watch and very much at stakes for the home team, but it was the visitors who threaten first with a couple of chances from Daniel Nannskog and Christian Keller. But when the home side responded they did it with a counter attack taken straight out of the book. Joel Lindpere snapped up the ball inside his own half and ran forward with great pace and delivered it to Tommy Knarvik who scored with a stunning strike. They continue to press forward but both Sigurd Rushfeldt and Morten Moldskred missed a couple of good chances. Just before half time Daniel Nannskog nearly got the equalizer, but his free header went just wide of the goal. The second half didn’t contain the same amount chances, but the tempo in the game was of high quality and you could clearly see why both teams are laying where they are. Tromsø IL were looking in firm control in the end and deservingly took all the three points and secured the bronze medal, their first medal since 1990.

Tromsø IL is known to play an aggressive style of football and Stabæk could seem to be a little bit of unprepared of going into this battle when having already won the title. Other sides in the league have let Stabæk play their usual game, but the home side where having none of it. Combined with high pressure and their aggressive style they ripped apart Stabæk`s game and especially in the central of the park they were in control. Helge Haugen and Tommy Knarvik went in hard in every challenge and really stood out when it matters the most. Knarvik who played some excellent football in the start of the season has been in great form these last rounds. The same can be said about Helge Haugen who is the defensive midfielder who does the "invisible" job and who doesn`t often hit the front pages. However, a team always needs such a player and the job he`s done for Tromsø IL this season is fantastic. He`s got one year left of his contract and if he can continue to deliver he will soon attract interest from bigger clubs.

Doulas Sequeira formed the partnership with Tore Reginiussen and they delivered the goods. It was Reginiussen`s last game for the club and today he showed everyone why he is attracting interests from clubs abroad. He`s taken his game a few steps in the right direction this season and become a more commanding centre half who you can rely on in every match of the season. He`s been the Norwegian league defender of the year without a shadow of a doubt.
Both full backs, Hans Åge Yndestad and Tom Høgli, have also performed well this season and the national coach finally recognized Høgli performances and introduced him in his team recently. If Yndestad continue to develop as a player I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets a chance for the national team as well.
Soon to be Bosman player, Sead Ramovic, have been this season’s best goalkeeper in the league and I know I few would disagree, but I feel that his overall game this season beats Lyn`s Eddie Gustavsson. Ramovic has got the ability to play at the highest level and the club who lands his signature will have my blessing when doing so. A class goalkeeper which I hope will attract interests from clubs outside Scandinavia, simply because he`s too good for the leagues up here.

The visitors tried to end this campaign in style by winning, but not many stood out tonight. One man that you maybe wouldn’t expect to me instrumental in such tough battle was Alanzinho who were a constant threat. He`s been the best player in Norway this year and if Stabæk can hang on to him next season I am impressed because his performances cannot have gone unnoticed by the bigger clubs abroad. I am sure, have been so for quite a while, that he`s got the ability to play at the highest level and it will be interesting to see which club has got the balls to sign him up.

Match report:

When 38 year old Roar Strand headed Rosenborg in front everyone was just waiting to see how big the victory would get. But with Trond Olsen in deadly form he proved to everyone that he`s ready for bigger clubs and for the Norwegian national team. Olsen`s first and second goal came from counter attacks with high precession and great pace, and alone with the goalkeeper he made no mistake. His final goal came from a free kick from 30 meters , a shot that the keeper should have dealt with. However it`s not the first time this season he tries his luck from that sort of a range and its defiantly not the last. He hits the ball with his left foot with such power that it`s always likely to cause problems for the defending team. By scoring three goals tonight he ended the season with a total of 10 goals and 13 assists. Not bad by any left winger and you have to ask the question: what does it take to give him a chance for the national team and some interests from bigger clubs? He is by far his team best player and I have never questioning his talent and I hope he soon will get the opportunity to try himself at a higher level.

What seems to be Rosenborg`s misery could prove to be other clubs fortune. For the first time in many years they will not play in the European cup and therefore they miss out on the big money. They now have to listen to offers from other clubs for their biggest star players. I would like to single out two of their best players who now might get the chance to play at a higher level.

I`ve been a long time admirer of Marek Sapara and rumors says that the club will listen to offers in the region of £2,5- 3.000.000 million, and that is money well spent for this phenomenal midfielder. Although he has struggle a bit this season, like the rest of his team, he`s been instrumental after the summer break by helping his team to climb up the table and by securing a place in the group stages in the uefa-cup.

Defensive midfielder, Alexander Tettey, has gone public and expressed his desire for bigger challenges and if he continues to play like he`s been doing these last rounds he will get his chance. He still got at least three more games to play in the uefa-cup so it’s still time for him to impress foreign clubs.

Match report:

Both teams have struggle all season long, but I think they both have learned a lot from this season and be well prepared next season. For Vålerenga I believe their goalkeeper, Troy Perkins, have been one of the most influential players. Their best player has of course been their striker Mohammed Abdellaoue who has delivered several top performances this season. In his debut season he scored a total of 9 goals which is a number he`ll defiantly beat next year, if given the chance. Dutch side, Groningen, is apparently monitoring his progress closely, but I am sure that he will attract more interest from others if he can build on this season achievement. His younger brother, Mostafa Abdellaoue, has just recently signed for Vålerenga and he`s also a player to keep an close eye on.

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Match report:

A local derby should be entertaining to watch, but this match was a poor performance by both teams. A lot at stake have to take some of the blame, but nevertheless you would expect a lot more from the sides that have played such fantastic football earlier in the season. The few chances that came didn’t bother any of the solid goalkeepers. Both Pavel Londak and Sead Ramovic looked solid at the back along with their defenders.

Especially I have to single out the central defender Johan Lædre Bjørdal. His performance was excellent and if he can continue to play regularly and stay fit it will not be long before Bodø Glimt will struggle to keep him at the club. I`ve seen him on several occasions before and I`ve been impressed with his stability, but unfortunately his career has been hampered with injuries. Big things are expected from this young defender and if he can stay fit he would be one to keep a close eye on in the future.
Anders Konradsen made his debut for the visitors and he where a constant threat on the right wing. The 18 year old has a bright future ahead of him and I look forward to follow his progress.
Left back Hans Åge Yndestad for Tromsø IL has probably been the most consistent performers in the league and he again delivered a fine performance. For sure there are many things he could improve in his game, especially when supporting his winger in the offensive part of the game, but defensively he is for sure one of the best left backs in the league.

Match report:

Steffen Iversen was dragged down in the area after a corner and scored easily from the penalty spot in the 11th minute. Marek Sapara played out of position on the left wing, but he still was very active in the first half, mainly because his team mates were always aware of his skills and where always trying to include him in their offensive play. Free kicks and corners where delivered by him with huge precession and it should have been 2-0 after 27 minutes when Iversen had a free header that went inches wide. Brann had to wait until the 50th minute before they got their first chance, but Thorstein Helstad put his shot straight at the keeper from a tight angle. You could clearly see that Helstad and the rest of his side are struggling in their offensive play with their left-winger Petter Vaagan Moen out with a minor injury. Rosenborg where in total control of the match, both in defense and in their offensive play. Led by a solid Per Ciljan Skjelbred in midfield they almost went 2-0 up late on, but his shit where saved by Håkon Opdahl. The home side showed more commitment and desire to win this match and it was a very poor performance by last season’s champions Brann. Nevertheless Brann snatched a very undeserved point after Thorstein Helstad got his second chance of the game and scored with an easy tap in.

Steffen Iversen have lost a few pounds and it`s clearly showing on the pitch. He looks sharper and is playing with confidence that have been missing for a while. Clearly the man of the match, but he and his team where unlucky that he had to go off after a head injury in the second half. In midfield Marek Sapara, Alexander Tettey and Per Ciljan Skjelbred had a good match and they are all showing great form and it`s only a matter of time before Rosenborg climb up the table even more. In defense I felt that their central defenders did well. Both Vadim Demidov and Alejandro Lago where in much of control nearly the entire match, but when you let Thorstein Helstad to two good chances you are very likely to get punished. Notorious goal machine he again prove that he is and when you score, both home and away, week in and week out, you are of course attracting interests from abroad. At the moment he`s doing what`s required of him and I am sure he is on his way out of the Norwegian league soon. He`s not playing up to his best, but when your score 8 goals in 10 matches you are clearly doing something right. Clubs should now make their move for the highly rated striker. If a full scouting report on him is required I would be happy to help your club.

Top performers in each position after 9 league rounds.

Under you can read my list over the players that have I feel have stood out more than others. Please contact me if your club requires more information about the players; how they perform, their contract status, relationship to their club etc.

Strikers:
After watching Lyn`s Odion Jude Ighalo this weekend I can`t give this enormous talent enough praise. He did everything right when coming on as a substitute and he nearly on his own turned the game around. The boy is still only 18 years old, but he is a player we will hear a lot more from in the future. His is one of those strikers that you know will score when he gets a one on one opportunity with the goalkeeper. He`s strong, got pace and is a clinical finisher with both feet`s.

Thorstein Helstad for Brann hasn’t played up to his best this season, but still he has managed to score 7 goals so far. That says it all really and I must admit that I am surprised that that no clubs have shown any real desire to bring him over, but I expect him to leave very soon. I don’t see him capable of playing for any of the best clubs in the best leagues, but I honestly feel he could do a job elsewhere. According to rumors there are interests from some French clubs who wants to secure his services and I am sure he will do a decent job for any of the sides there. It wouldn’t be too much of a gamble really because clubs should know by now what the player stands for. And when clubs realize that he`s out of contract soon they will hardly pay any transfer fee to his club.

Daniel Nannskog had a slow start to the season in the first rounds, but he`s been in great form these last weeks and I am sure that if he keeps playing like this he would eventually get his chance abroad. 33 years old isn’t that much these days, but his skills, I feel, is a bit underrated. What I mean by that is that he doesn’t get enough credit for the goals he scores and for all the hard work lays down. He`s a player with high ambitions and he`s a great professional, but still it doesn’t seem enough. His goal scoring record speaks for itself and I would be the first one to salute the club that offers him the chance to play at a higher level.
His team is packed with quality all over the place and his partner up front, Veigar Pall Gunnarson, have also picked up the pieces after a slow start. He is more the player that is behind Nannskog and feeds the ball to him at every occasion. He doesn’t get the same amount of goal as Nannskog, but he`s doing an equally important job as him, creating so many goals week in and week out. Gunnarson is in his last season with Stabæk and his big dream is to play in the German league and maybe he will get his chance soon.   

Tarik Elyounoussi is the player who is the most talked about in the league at the moment, and he got his first cap for the national team last week. He got one goal on the night, but could so easily had a couple more. He has brought a much needed new dimension into the national team and I expect him to be a very important player once the world cup qualification starts. His talent is beyond other players in the league and I am sure of that he could play at very high level straight away. He`s a player that would settle in very quick due to his massive talent and his great personality. The player’s contract is out in 2009 and I believe his valuation is around £1.5-2.0 million which is a price that should attract interests from clubs in the biggest leagues.
    
There are two Brazilian strikers who are playing some good football in Norway at the moment. Both made their mark last season and they have delivered some good performances this season as well. 31 year old Thiago Martins who plays for Bodø Glimt has scored 4 goals so far this season and is looking like a constant threat in every match. When given the necessary space he will punish any defense with some clinical finishing. If his injury record would improve I am sure that he could play at a higher level. Diego Silva is playing for Ålesund and made huge impact to Norwegian league last season and he has been playing some good football this year as well. He has scored 3 goals so far, but I expect him to get a lot more before the season comes to an end.  

Before the season I had big expectations for Mame Biram Diouf at Molde. He`s been struggling, like the rest of his side, specially in the offensive part of the game. Last game however, against Brann, Molde created lots of chances in an entertaining match against Brann and eventually won 4-3 away. Impressive win and the man everyone talked about after the match was of course Mame Biram Diouf. The 20 year old scored two goal and were a constant threat with his pace and hunger for goals. He does the unexpected, at times too often, but when it works it’s a beauty to watch. There`s a lot of football in this young lad and I hope he can keep on building on this performance and if he do he will soon attract interest from bigger clubs.  

Trond Olsen has been in terrific form this season and has been his team top performer so far. Bodø Glimt is playing in a familiar 4-3-3 system with Olsen as a left offensive winger. You can use the link above to read my scouting report on him. It was written before the season, but still nothing has changed. I hope he can build on this seasons start and keep improving his game, which in the long run will not go unnoticed by the bigger clubs abroad.

Midfielders:
Firstly I have to congratulate Red Bull Salzburg with their new signing Somen Tchoyi. I`ve got some e-mails from their supporters about the player and I have reassured everyone that it`s a great signing. He has been my favorite midfielder for quite some time and I am pleased that he has got the chance to play at a higher level.

From being on of Ghana`s top performers in the African cup, playing regularly alongside Michael Essien, Anthony Annan is now back in the Norwegian league. He`s been great in most games and I`ll expect him to move to better league maybe after the summer. He was quoted saying that he had played his last game for Stabæk last week, before he joined the rest of his teammates at Ghana`s national team. Clubs should be aware of him and he might not be as expensive either as Start, the owner of the player, are desperate to cash in on him. Alanzinho have also been in blistering form and I felt that his agent didn’t do a good job when he weren’t able to find him a new club when he could leave on free. Now he has signed a new contract with Stabæk, but I reckon they will not stand in the way if a good offer comes in for him.

Vadim Demidov and Per Ciljan Skjelbred at Rosenborg have been in great form this season and especially Demidov have shown to everyone what a huge talent he is. From playing in Adeccoligaen last year he has gone to be one of Rosenborg`s most important players already. He was rewarded this week with his first match for the Norwegian national team. Marek Sapara recently got back from injury and has led his troops in style to help his team climb up the table. Surely in his last season for Rosenborg. Only thing that would stall a possible transfer to a bigger club must be if his club demands a ridiculous prize for him.

One left-winger that I was sorry to see miss almost the entire last season due to injury, is no back in action and he as delivered some solid displays. Mattias Andersson have looked lively and been a real handful for any defense and I wouldn’t be surprised if bigger clubs where to try and sign the 26 year old.

Fredrikstad are the surprise team this season and of the reasons is down to the hard work in midfield by Kasey Wehrman. The Australian is doing a great job in defense, winning the ball in style, and then gives support to the strikers up front.  

Espen Hoff for Lyn has scored 5 goals in the league so far and he scored a hat trick in the first round of the cup. He has shown to everyone that he can play at a higher level. His contract is soon expiring which would makes it a lot easier for him moving abroad. He`s matured enough to play at a higher level, but not in the best leagues in Europe.

One of the main reasons of why Tromsø IL have performed so well in the league is due to the hard work laid down by Tommy Knarvik. The former Leeds United youngster have been in great form and scoring a couple of goals as well. His passing is great and I hope he will use is powerful right foot more to try and score more goals. If he can keep on performing like the rest of the Tromsø IL side I wouldn’t be surprised if they would finish in the top three.

Last season champions have named Erik Bakke as their new captain before the season and he has done quite well for them. One of the most promising midfielders playing in Norway must be Tijan Jaiteh. He`s a great player that will develop into a real class player if he only can avoid more injury problems that have hampered his season so far.

New boy Martin Fillo has delivered some good performances and you could see that there`s a lot of football in this lad. Already scored three goals from his midfield position and I wouldn’t be surprised if he scores some more. Alexander Ødegaard is also playing for Viking and from his wing-position he has delivered several top class performances. He seems to have matured his game these last couple of seasons and maybe bigger clubs have noticed that as well?

Defenders:
The first name that pops into my mind when writing about defenders who have impressed me the most, is Vegard Forren. The 20 year old came from a Norwegian 3 division to Molde before the season and he hasn’t really looked back since. He has the extra bit of quality that requires when playing at a higher level and he has shown it in style. The central defender is clearly the main reason why his club Molde has been defensively so good.

Other central defenders that have made their mark are Miika Koppinen and Tore Reginiussen who are playing the best football in their careers. Both are playing for Tromsø IL and it will be interesting to see how long they can hang on to their star player Reginiussen. He`s got enough class to play at the highest level in Europe for sure.

Raio Piiroja has also played some good football and I reckon he is eager to test himself in a bigger league.

The defensive partnership between Pontus Segerstrøm and Morten Skjønsberg for Stabæk have been working well, and if they can keep producing same solid displays it may lead to bigger tasks in the future.

Kjetil Wæhler who plays for Vålerenga have also been in good form and I still think he has what it takes to finish his career in a better league.

When talking about full backs Tom Høgli for Tromsø IL has been the top performer without a doubt. From being a central midfielder he has now settled in his defensive role and he hasn’t looked back since. Already his manager, Steinar Nilsen, has stated that Høgli should soon be in the frame for the Norwegian national team and I have to agree with him.

Enar Jââger is another full back that have impressed me with some decent displays and it will be interesting to see how he progress during the season.

Joel Riddez is playing for Strømsgodset and looks solid. He came from Swedish football before the season and has already become an important first team member of his team.

Goalkeepers:
Lasse Staw, who plays for Fredrikstad, have been playing some really good football this season so it’s no surprise that his team are laying second in the table. The lad, who is only 20 years old, has an enormous talent and if he can keep improving his game he`ll be in the frame for the Norwegian national team sooner rather than later.

I’ve been an admirer of the Swedish goalkeeper Eddie Gustavsson for a long time and this season he has delivered several top performances. In the past seasons he`s made to many silly mistakes which I am sure bigger clubs have noticed when scouting him. Now he seems to have learned from the past and he has so far in the season been one of the best and maybe the biggest reason of why FC Lyn is laying third in the table.

Sead Ramovic for Tromsø IL has been the top performer without a doubt. He is just pure class as I have stated so many times before. I would be very surprised if he doesn’t get picked up by a bigger club when his contract expires after this season. He`s 29 years old so his best years as a goalkeeper is still to come.

Match report:

I`ve hardly seen any team create so little as Brann did today. Quite obvious they came with one intention - to defend deep and in numbers, meaning Tromsø IL had to struggle hard to break thru their defense line. The home side had much of the possession in the first half and soon the chances came as well. Sigurd Rushfeldt had a free header that went wide of the goal and Morten Moldskred saw his shot inches wide of the post. Brann had their only chance of the game in the first half when Djemba Nyren fired a long shot that didn’t bother Sead Ramovic too much. In the second half it was the same scenario again with Brann defending bravely against a home side that so desperate wanted all the three points. Tromsø IL played some neat football and Steinar Nilsen`s men looked to build on their first half display, but it wasn’t their day in front of goal. Both Sigurd Rushfeld and Morten Moldskred wasted several big chances allowing the visitors to get away with a lucky point in what was a poor performance by the last season’s champions.
 
I was pleased to see Morten Moldskred back in the starting lineup, and more importantly no one could see any signs of his earlier injury that has hampered the beginning of his season. He got a full 90th minutes under his belt and especially in the first half he looked very lively, creating lots of trouble for a Brann defense that couldn’t cope with his pace. To be fair to them, not too many defenders can keep up with him when he is moving forward, but what’s separates him from so many others is his cleverness in his game. His positioning and timing of his run are second to none and he proved last season that he is a clinical and a deadly finisher. Today he had some great chances which he missed, but I am sure that if he can stay fit he will score many goals this season.

Brann defended well with central defender Azar Karadas and left-back Erlend Hanstveit their team top performers, but again Tromsø`s defense deserves a mentioning. Both full backs, Tom Høgli on the right and Hans Åge Yndestad on the left, had a great game. They both moved forward in style to help out their winger whenever needed. Their crossing has improved a lot and they looked very solid in defense, not allowing Brann to get around on the sides. Whatever Brann threw forward in an attempt to create something it was nothing that their solid central defenders, Tore Reginiussen and Miika Koppinen, couldn’t deal with. I feel that I am repeating myself when single them week after week, but it`s fully deserved. They both fulfill each other so well that it would surprise me if their performances have gone unnoticed by bigger clubs. Especially Tore Reginiussen, who was the man of the match against Brann, is good enough to play for any major side in Spain, Italy, France or England.

Match report:

Not to many clear chances in the first half until Adriano Munoz had a great chance to put the visitors in front just before half time. He came one on one with the goalkeeper, but his low shot were saved by Rune Jarstein. Both sides looked solid in defense, but second half both sides tried to create more opportunities, sending more people forward and eventually the first goal had to come in the match. It was central defender, Miika Koppinen who scored with a delightful back-header in off the post after a great corner. Tromsø IL looked solid in defense and when they came under real pressure they could always rely on their rock solid goalkeeper, Sead Ramovic. He made several match winning saves and was quite clearly the man of the match. Rosenborg got more and more frustrated and Tromsø IL had a couple of counter attacks that could so easily have settled the match sooner. Sigurd Rushfeldt hit the bar after a great cross by left-winger Joel Lindpere before Tommy Knarvik also had an effort off target, following some good build-up play. An even match, but I felt Tromsø IL deserved their win which so easily actually could have been bigger. They came with ambition to win this difficult away game and they duly delivered today.

For the home side it`s sad to witness that some of their great players, Aleksander Tettey and Marek Sapara to name a couple, are played out of position. Especially Tettey expressed his anger to the media after the match, after playing the entire match as a winger and not in his preferred role in the middle of the park. Marek Sapara also played wide instead of his usual and role in the middle, but he is just pure class and had no problems settling in his new role. He looked lively and delivered some great crosses and almost scored in the first half. He has been sidelined for many weeks so I was impressed with his display today. He has what it takes to play at the highest level and I would be surprise if he doesn’t get picked up before the season. He has great vision, excellent passing skills, works well both in defense and offense and he scores goals. In my opinion the best midfielder in Norway and he deserves to get a well deserved chance to play elsewhere with the big boys.

For the visitors it’s hard not to give praise to their goalkeeper, Sead Ramovic. Recently former national-coach for Norway, Nils Johan Semb published his own personal list over `top six goalkeepers in Norway. On that list you couldn’t find the name Sead Ramovic, which makes you wonder where Semb have been these last couple of seasons. I`ve said for quite some time that he`s the best goalkeeper in the Norwegian league and today, as always, he proved his class. If his national team, Bosnia Herzegovina, hadn’t had their off field problems, he would be their number one for sure. His contract with Tromsø IL is expiring after the season and the reason is simply because they have waited too long before offering an extension to his current one. Sure he loves playing for them, you could clearly see that when observing their training sessions, but I feel that he has bigger things to achieve for a bigger club in a better league. Money talks and I am sure when clubs in England, Spain, France and Germany show interest in him, he will have a big decision to make.  

The players in front of Ramovic have also been in fantastic form and if they can keep on playing with the same confidence that they are doing at the moment, who knows what this season may bring. The much talked about central defenders, Tore Reginiussen and Miika Koppinen seem to have a formed a unique understanding between themselves and it`s just a beauty to watch how they neutralize whatever opponents throw at them.
Their newly composed midfield are also playing with confidence and they are keeping things simple and it`s working well for them. Tommy Knarvik, Helge Haugen and Joel Lindpere have done some good work this season and I believe we`ll hear a lot more from them as the season progress. Up front Sigurds Rushfeldt had a decent match. He should have scored for sure, but he worked well and looked stronger now comparing to previous rounds. 1 Mai he is free to sign for a new club. He still has two good years left as a footballer and it will be interesting to know what he decides to do.

Match report:

Stabæk played some good football today and where clearly the better team. Some players stood out more than others and deserve a mentioning.

Veigar Pall Gunnarson have not started the season as he finished last campaign, but he gave strong evidence today that he is on the right track at the moment. Earlier in the week he told the press that he had high hopes to leave Stabæk sooner rather than later. If you consider his length of his current contract, which runs out after the season, it’s very likely to happen. Maybe if clubs show interest in him this summer he will be allowed to leave as Stabæk are in desperate need of getting something back for the player that have served them so well. I wouldn’t recommend him to any clubs in England because I don’t think he is capable of playing at such high level. However the leagues in Belgium and Netherlands would suit him well. He is quoted saying that playing in Germany would be his ultimate dream and maybe he could do a job for a Bundesliga-side.     

One of my favorite strikers in the league is without a doubt the Swede Daniel Nannskog. He is 33 years old, which really isn’t that old nowadays for a footballer, but he is playing like he’s 5 years younger. He expressed his desire last year to finish his career abroad and still maybe it isn’t too late. His excellent positioning, great pace and his keen eye for a goal, 66 goals in 85 games says it all, surely is some qualities that clubs abroad would find interesting. While most clubs wouldn’t give him a chance when considering his age, those who do will do bargain a in securing his services. Sure the Norwegian league would be an attraction shorter, but I honestly believe Stabæk wouldn’t stall a possible transfer if it were to happen.

Midfielder Somen Tchoyi, one of my favorite players in Norway, had a terrific game today and clearly was the man of the match in my view.  He had one great assist, scored a great goal and where constant threat all match thru. His work rate is absolutely outstanding and his contribution, in defense and in Stabæk`s offensive play, is just a beauty to watch. He is like the modern type of midfielders who can work all over the pitch and at the same time posses a real danger in attack, as he proved today when scoring with a great long shot. Last season he where probably Stabæk`s top performer and I honestly was surprised that bigger clubs didn’t try to sign him, but if he can keep on playing like he did today it`s only matter of time before he moves on. 

Match report:

Fredrikstad indicated early on that they came to Lerkendal with ambition to get three points. Both sides missed some good opportunities early on, but it was the visitors that would get the first goal thru a penalty. Bjørn Tore Kvarme dragged down Hans Erik Ramberg as last man and was quite rightly sent off. Kasey Wehrman made not mistake and scored his first for the season. After their lead it seemed like they weren’t as eager to get forward as where the case before the goal. As a result Rosenborg where allowed to get back in the game and just before half time Yossuf Kone arrived at the far post to convert a Abduo Traore cross. The home side started the second half as they finished the first and got a penalty after Per Ciljan Skjelbred was dragged down inside the box. Yossuf Kone stepped up, but Lasse Staw made a superb save to rescue the visitors. Rosenborg continued to press forward and created a couple great chances, but again Staw made some excellent saves. Instead it was Fredrikstad that would get away with all the points after substitute, Andreas Tegstrøm, fed the ball to Hans Erik Ramberg who made no mistake alone with goalkeeper, Rune Jarstein.  

If Lasse Staw can continue to deliver performances like he did tonight it will not be long until bigger clubs will show interest in the young goalkeeper. He looks very solid and I can’t to watch him more closely as the season progress. Some credit must also be given to the strong central defender, Raio Piiroja. He`s got what it takes to play at a higher level and when you consider his solid displays over the last two seasons with Fredrikstad, you must wonder why he hasn’t been picked up already? I must say I wouldn’t be surprised if he were to be picked up already this summer. Kasey Wehrman and Ardian Gashi are both tireless midfielders with good awareness and no fear. The duo seems to have formed a good relationship in the middle of the park. Wehrman has his main strengths in his defensive play and Gashi particularly in his offensive play. For Rosenborg I would like to single out Vadim Demidov and Per Ciljan Skjelbred. Demidov is best as a midfielder, but Rosenborg are trying to play him as a central defender, which seems to suit him quite well. Against Fiorentina in the UEFA-cup he had some decent performances, and now with a few more matches under his belt he has already matured a lot. I have no doubt that he will develop into a quality player, both for his national team and for a bigger club. The midfielder, Per Ciljan Skjelbred, who still is only 21, is playing some really good football at the moment and is showing great signs that he is a player to look out for. His work rate is impressive and his passing is second to none. If he can add a few more goals per season, as I am sure he is capable of, he would for sure attract interest from some of the major clubs in Europe.

Match report:

High flying Tromsø IL can count themselves lucky after their goalless draw with Molde. The visitors had the first real opportunity when Sigurd Rushfeldt saw his shot saved by the goalkeeper, but from there and in Molde where clearly the better team. Mame Biram Diouf and Daniel Berg Hestad wasted two enormous chances, chances that must have ruined their night of sleep. Several other chances where wasted, but Tromsø IL where able to withstand the heavy pressure to secure one point after a though battle.

Vegard Forren was a commanding presence at the back for Molde. The much talked about defender delivered a solid performance and took star player for Tromsø IL, Sigurd Rushfeldt, completely out of the game. Daniel Berg Hestad and Magne Hoseth did well in midfield, although Tommy Knarvik for Tromsø IL also made his mark in the middle of the park. Rumors says that Tommy Knarvik are in the frame for Norway`s national team in their upcoming friendly match. No one could be too surprised if that were to happen, at least not when you consider his excellent form for Tromsø IL. Man of the match award, along with Vegard Forren, must go to Tromsø`s goalkeeper, Sead Ramovic. He played a vital role today, making several match winning saves. I rate him as the best keeper in the Norwegian league, have done that for nearly two years, and I would be surprised if there weren’t a massive race for his signature when he is a bosman-player after the season. Right back Tom Høgli had good day on the job. As I mention last week he seems to have matured and developed into a quality full back. It will be interesting to see over the upcoming weeks if he can keep on improving his game. Also central defenders Miika Koppinen and Tore Reginiussen had a lot to do today and they both delivered some decent performances.   

Match report:

Local derby with lots of nerves after both teams had a lot to prove to their own fans after some poor performances last weekend. Lillestrøm were humiliated against Stabæk and you could see clear signs that they were in lack of confidence. Few chances where created in the first but in the second half you could clearly see the difference between the sides.
Vålerenga made some tactical changes and turned the game into their advantage. First the lively Mohammed Abdellaoue should have had a penalty that was not given. Moments later scored with a fine heading after a great corner. In the 64th minute he struck again after Otto Fredriksson gave a rebound after a free kick. The visitors continued to press forward and they were rewarded with a penalty after Morten Berre was brought down in the area. Martin Andresen stepped up and scored from the penalty kick. Lillestrøm didn’t create any chance all game thru and that says it all really. A fully deserved victory for Vålerenga.

Last weekend Mohammed Abdellaoue came on as a substitute when they lost 2-0 against Tromsø. He impressed me with his pace and eager to try and create something on his own, even if he were alone and up against two or three defenders. In that game his teammates failed to give him much needed support, meaning he had few options rather than trying to create something on his own. Even thought he didn’t manage to create a lot he proved to me that this is a player that Vålerenga could get a lot out of. Today he got his first well deserved place in the starting lineup and he duly delivered. After scoring two goals and being a real handful for the defenders the whole match thru, he was the man of the match without a doubt. Of course other players stood out for Vålerenga after their impressive win. Zero chances for the home side don’t happen too often, but thanks to a solid Vålerenga defense it was the case. Dan Thommason and Kjetil Wæhler in central defense were superb and their full backs in Jarl Andre Storbæk and Freddy Dos Santos also played their part in the win. Daniel Fredheim Holm is also on the right track it seems. If he can continiue to deliver like this in every match, i am sure he will add a few more goals to his account as well.

Match report:

Ålesund in front of a fanatic home crowd is always going to be a difficult test for any visitor side, and against Brann they proved it once again. The home side started out brightly, creating lots of chances and they didn’t have to wait long before they got their first goal. Great combination-play between Johan Arneng and Karl Oscar Fjørtoft before the ball was delivered to Diego Silva who scored his first goal of the season. It was a great start by Ålesund, who were moving the ball well and looking a real threat with every attack. It seemed like Brann was not at all prepared for this match, but they got a lucky equalizer after an own goal by the unlucky Jonathan Parr. Ålesund couldn’t believe that Brann where back in the game so they started the second half exactly as the first. The ball was headed down by Diego Silva to Tor Hogne Aarøy who scored with a great strike to make it 2-1. Moments later Amund Skiri headed in 3-1 after a corner and when Brann`s Kristjan Ørn Sigurdsson was sent off minutes later the three points looked secured. But in the end it could have gone wrong for them as Brann scored after another own goal. A corner where headed in by Tor Hogne Aarøy past a helpless Adin Brown, but the game where surely settled when substitute Denis Selimovic scored 4-2 late on. It could seem like an even match when you only look at the result, but it was not the case at all. It was a fully deserved and a very convincing win for Ålesund.

In what was clearly a team-win, where all players for the home side contributed, still some stood out from the rest. Man of the match in my view was without a doubt Johan Arneng. He totally dominated the midfield together with Karl Oscar Fjørtoft. His passing, short and long, was of high quality. Another player with an impressing performance was their defender Ener Jààger. He’s a right-back with pace and great eager to press forward. Capped 40 times for his national team, Estonia, is impressive when you`re only 23 year old. Amund Skiri was also a commanding presence in central defense. Up front I have been an admirer of Diego Silva for some time. He is a player to look out for and I expect him to get around 15 goals this season. Jonathan Parr is only 20 years old, but is showing real potential already. I thought he would do best as a striker, but since those places are taken by Silva and Aarøy, he is happy to fill out the wing-role which he does in a very convincing way. For Brann the only player that delivered a decent performance was Håkon Opdal. Class goalkeeper at his best, but he still does to many mistakes to make him an interesting object for top clubs in Europe.

Match report:

The match started out in a slow tempo where both sides looked well organized. Few chances where created in the first half, but Vålerenga fired a warning shot in the 30th minute when Daniel Fredheim Holm lifted a shot over the bar from close range when he had time and space to do better. The hosts created several half chances thru Tommy Knarvik and Sigurd Rushfeldt, but none of them really tested the goalkeeper. It wasn’t until a controversial penalty where given tempers flared. Tromsø IL defender, Miika Koppinen, where dragged down in the area by defender Dan Thomassen. Sigurd Rushfeldt made no mistake from the penalty spot, his first goal for the season. Substitute for Vålerenga, Gunnar Thorvaldsson, responded with a great header that went just inched wide of the goal. But Tromsø IL seemed to have control the rest of the game and surely settled it when they scored their second of the day. In the 89th minute Tommy Knarvik was the scorer when he lashed home his first goal for the club with a powerful strike from just outside the box.

As I predicted before kickoff most the battles where going to be fought in the middle of the park. Both side looked comfortable throughout, but Tromsø`s newly composed central line in Tommy Knarvik and Helge Haugen had the upper hand. They seem to have formed a fearful duo. Again the central defenders in Miika Koppinen and Tore Reginiussen made another excellent match. They form the best partnership in Tippeligaen for sure, but probably also the best in Scandinavia at the moment. Tom Høgli at right back for Tromsø played another solid match and he seems to have settled in at the right-back role which is quite new for the former midfielder. Striker Sigurd Rushfeldt and goalkeeper Sead Ramovic, both bosman-players soon, didn’t play up to their best, but both are capable of playing at a higher level. Vålerenga is a side blessed with skilled players, but most of them didn’t deliver today. In central defense they have Dan Thomassen and Kjetil Wæhler who both played well. Daniel Fredheim Holm, Martin Andresen and Kristofer Hæstad showed a few times what they are capable of, but the majority can only improve their game in the upcoming weeks.

Match report:

It was an untidy opening with not to many clear chances being created before Johan Andersson silenced the travelling fans. He came one on one with the goalkeeper, after a superb assist by Daniel Nannskog, and sent the ball in the net with a cool finish. Minutes later it was leveled again when Steinar Pedersen was brought down in the penalty area. One of the best penalty-takers in Tippeligaen, Khaled Mouelhi, made no mistake from the penalty spot. Just before half time Johan Andersson scored his second of the day after another great assist by Nannskog. He where clean thru on goal and made no mistake alone with the goalkeeper, almost an identical goal as the first one. Stabæk played some terrific passing football during the second half and the visitors were forced to defend deep and in numbers. A magnificent second half display by the home side saw them score 3-1 after Christian Keller arrived at the far post to convert a Alanzinho cross. Moments later Nannskog and Alanzinho came close, but goalkeeper Otto Fredrikson made some really good saves allowing the visitors to stay in the game. But it was Alanzinho who made the biggest impact when he effectively sealed the victory on 81 minutes with a great strike after dribbling past three defenders. It had little to say when Vidar Riseth scored his first goal for the club- a delightful back-header after a great corner.       

Maybe Stabæk can be a serious title challenger this season? Based on their display today no one could argue against such a scenario. Soon bosman-player, Alanzinho, where playing some excellent football and together with Anthony Annan they form a duo that surely will play for bigger clubs sooner rather than later. Daniel Nannskog and Veigar Pall Gunnarson also played some good football, but debutant Johan Andersson got the headlines as he deserved. The Swedish midfielder where outstanding and if he can keep producing performances like this Stabæk may have done a bargain in bringing him in. For the visitors Otto Fredrikson played well. He made several crucial saves and he couldn’t be blamed for any of the goals he let in. Also substitute, Karim Essediri, who is an offensive winger, made an immediately impact. I can’t believe he’s been on the bench for nearly two years now. He`s a player that should play regularly and if Lillestrøm can’t guarantee him more than a substitute role he might prove to be a bargain for clubs interested in his services.