As the game of football has progressed, we’ve seen an increased focus on youth players who have shown the potential and desire to make it big in the football word. The emergence of a young star is something that delights football fans around the world and they are often amazed by the maturity and ability that an emerging player often shows.
Scandinavia, which is the region in Northern Europe has been one such part of the world which has contributed heavily to the world of football in recent years. The region which is formed by five different countries: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland has seen its presence increase in the world of football.
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Sportskeeda brings to you the 5 best young talents from Scandinavian countries.
#5 Martin Samuelsen
The 19-year-old is a strong versatile player and is currently on loan at Peterborough United from West Ham United. Although his favoured position is on the left wing, the youngster has shown the ability to play on either flank and has even been slotted into a central attacking midfielder. The player’s good showing has also got him a first cap for the Norway senior team when he was just 18 years old.
(Video Courtesy: Jonathan Martinez YouTube Channel)
The Norwegian international started his career at Vard Haugesund, where he attracted a lot of interest from Real Madrid. He later moved to the Manchester City, and was a part of the City academy which has made huge strides after the investment by Sheikh Mansoor
The youngster had a difficult start and had several short trials around Europe but was unable to get the big break that he had always wanted. In June 2015, the attacker finally got a chance and was selected by West Ham United who signed him on a contract that extends till 2020. Since then the player has got loads of experiences and has played for Blackburn Rovers and Peterborough United.
#4 Sergei Eremenko
The only Finnish player on this list, Eremenko is a highly rated midfielder who hails from a family full of footballers. His brother Roman Eremenko plays for CSKA Moscow and his other brother, Alexei, has played for Rubin Kazan. Even Sergei’s father Alexei Sr. was a top flight footballer and moved from Russia to Finland after the breakup of the Soviet Union.
The 18-year-old prefers to play as a central midfielder where he has been deployed for the majority of his professional playing career. Eremenko’s career started at Finnish side Jaro which was then managed by his father. However, this was not a case of nepotism, the player was a genuine talent and an integral part of the squad but the season ended on a sad note as the side got relegated.
The player has already represented Finland in the U-17 and U-18 competitions and is expected to choose them again ahead of Russia later.
Eremenko’s vision and technical ability caught the attention of Swiss club Basel and the player is a crucial part of their junior squad.
#3 Joel Asoro
The Sunderland forward has been regarded as a wonder kid since the time he stepped into professional football and he hasn’t looked back since. The teen is currently part of English football club Sunderland and became the club’s and Sweden’s youngest Premier League player when he came on as a substitute in a league game against Middlesbrough.
The Swedish international has been blessed with blistering speed and has shown on several instances his ability to beat the man and finish it up with a brilliant goal. The player who will turn 18 this April had garnered the interest of Manchester City, Manchester United and Juventus after his exploits at the Swedish youth level but ultimately moved to the Black Cats.
(Video Courtesy: AhmdSLMN YouTube Channel)
In a U-21 game against Spain that ended in a 1-1 draw where Asoro made his debut, Swedish media reported that a multitude of clubs including the likes of PSG, Bayern Munich, Villareal, Valencia, Milan and Inter Milan scouted the youngster.
Asoro has already made a few appearances for Swedens U21 team and there is a strong chance that he will get the call for the senior team as well.
"I'd say for a 17-year-old – if it was me watching him for the first time – this boy has got something."Sunderland manager David Moyes
#2 Andreas Christensen
The Danish youngster has been a part of Chelsea since 2012 after he was snapped up by the Blues from Danish club Brøndby IF. The player had been a stellar performer and joined Chelsea over the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Bayern Munich, all of whom were keen on grabbing the player on a free transfer.
The competition at the centre-back spot in Chelsea forced the young Dane to be sent on a loan to gather much-needed experience. The defender joined Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2015 on a two-year loan and is reportedly ready to come back to the Blues this coming summer. The player had a great first year and was voted as the Club’s Player of the Season for 2015-16. Christensen has also been a part of the Denmark senior team and has made 8 appearances for them.
(Video Courtesy: Nordisk Football TV YouTube Channel)
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte had decided to call the player back in January but the player was not keen since it would mean lack of game time. Gladbach’s director has already revealed his desire to buy the player but added that Chelsea rate the defender highly and would not even sell him to Barcelona or Bayern Munich.
Christensen’s father also revealed that playing time is something that the Danish player regards most important at this stage of the career.
‘As it is right now, he’ll be at Chelsea again this summer. It is important for Andreas that he plays. He will not return to Chelsea and sit on the bench.
#1 Alexander Isak
Isak has been called the ‘next Ibrahimovic’ and joined Borussia Dortmund in January this year on a five-year contract. Several media sources also reported that his move to Borussia Dortmund came at the expense of Real Madrid who Isak ultimately rejected.
The 17-year-old who started his career at AIK at the age of 6, continued to play for them till January 2017. The Swede was instrumental in AIK’s title challenge and the club ultimately ended as the runner’s up in the Swedish first division. During the course of the season, Isak managed to get 10 goals in 24 seasons and this played a big part in his sudden rise in the football world.
(Video Courtesy: JamesR10™ YouTube Channel)
Isak who is currently just 17, has already made two appearances for the Swedish senior team. An agile and fast player, Isak has the ability to beat the marker using his pace. The youngster uses his speed and directness in a great way to ensure that he can run off the defender’s shoulder and have a clear chance at the goal.
The player will greatly benefit at Borussia Dortmund who have a robust youth system in place and can be a replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the future as the Gabon international has been on the radar of several other clubs.
