Was a tough season for Linköping FC. After a good start with some great wins against the leading teams, it seemed to be a typical story as losses against the smaller teams meant it would mean a top three finish.
Going to the final few games, Linköpings had a fantastic chance to not only cement a top two place but also challenge for the league. However, a few disappointing games towards the end meant that the final placement of fourth was a little of an underachievement.
Here are my ratings for 2015 season
Goalkeeper
Katlynn Fraine
Played in every league game except one. Stepped into the team following one or two seasons where Linköping did not have a regular goalkeeper. Played solid, defended the defence well and kept Linköping in many games during the season. Was at fault for some goals but overall a great season.
Rating 8/10 – Dependent, solid and reliable goalkeeper. Shocking news to see Katlynn leave at the end of the season. With no immediate goalkeeper coming into the team, it will be very difficult for Linköping to find a goalkeeper with this experience and desire.
Casja Andersson
Only one game this season. But mainly down to Fraine’s form in goal. Will see if Casja can compete for the number one shirt next season. Young and willing to learn
Rating 6/10 – Not given enough time to play this year.
Defence
Jannie Arnth
The second season at Linköping. Formed a very solid partnership with Rohlin. Solid and dependable and showed full experience when needed to be called upon. Did perform well at times but can also be needed to make the team perform better when the times were down. With the absence of Rohlin Linköping will need to call upon Jannie more in 2015/6-
Rating 7/10 – Reliable and top performer.
Lotta Rohlin
The end of an era. Captain fantastic has called it a day and retired. There will simply never be another player like Lotta. She is a one-time hero. This season was a solid one for Lotta. Her heart was in the game, her leadership skills will be hard to beat and her presence both on and off the pitch will be almost impossible to replace.
Rating 8/10 – Solid season, leader and captain in every sense of the word. Lotta, thank you for everything and we will miss you!
Jessica Samuelsson
A solid season for Jessica where I felt she played her best football in two seasons. More and more confident going forward and fantastic at tracking back. Tackling is harder than ever and her attacking play is getting better. Always runs 90 minutes and will never give up until the end.
Rating 8/10 – Fantastic defender and ideal replacement as captain for Rohlin. Seems to get better, now an established member of the Swedish national team she is one of the most important players in the squad. Played especially well against the top three teams this year.
Magdalena Ericcson
Another fantastic season for Magdalena. I think that she, along with Jessica, is an ideal captain for 2015/6. Played in every game this season and also valuable contributions with assists. Strong, powerful and can always be depended on to deliver and perform, Now with Jessica and Janni they are the backbone of the team this year. Strong this year and seemed to be getting better with every game.
Rating 9/10 – For me the standout defender of the team this year. Strong leader and a great head on young shoulders.
Maja Krantz
Played half of the season and has now left the club after eight years. When called upon played with heart and passion as Maja always has. Sad to see Maja leave as she has been a fantastic player for the team and will be very hard to replace. Strong going forward, perfect timing tackles and always going to be a dependable player.
Rating 7/10 – When called upon played very well. Her experience will be missed and with the loss of Rohlin the history of Linköping is beginning to disappear. Thank you Maja for everything!
Jonna Andersson
Played every league game. Impossible to have a player like her in this day and age. Can play as a Defender or Striker! Played confident in ever game and seems to be getting back to her best. Now the clubs longest serving player it will be a surprise not to see her in contention for the captains role next year. One player, I would have on my starting 11 every week.
Raring 7.5/10 – Confident, reliable and strong going forward and in defence. One thing I would look at is going forward to early in the game. Tracking back can leave the defence open.
Midfield
Mariann Gaihede
Another solid season for Mariann. Stepped into the central and wide roles when needed and can adapt as ever. Now in her fourth year at Linköping Mariann has become a dependable player. Contributed to some valuable assists and goals. Spent some time this season trying to recapture form from 2014. End of the season was one of the most consistent performers.
Rating 7.5/10 – Great season for Mariann and want to see more of the same 2015/6!
Emma Lennartsson
Tough season for Emma. Had to compete in a position with more other players than most. Played 16 league games but always gave it her all each time! Contributed in a defensive role at times that played crucial in some large wins over the season. Had a tough time to break into her natural role but performed well when called upon.
Rating 7/10 – Good season for Emma. With the loss of some key midfield players, I see Emma getting more time next season.
Renne Slegers
Not enough time this season due to injury. Only played 20% of the season and now fighting her way back to full fitness. Hope to see her more in the new season. We all know what Renne is capable of.
Rating 6/10 – Not enough time to play this season to get a good grade. Signed a new contract so hope to see her more next year!
Claudia Neto
First full season and what a season! One of the standout performers of Linköping this year. Big player for big games! Speed, tackles, deadball specialist and can score goals when needed! Was a constant threat when on top of her game she is like Poetry in Motion. There is not only one number 7 in Portugal.
Rating 8/10 – Key player in midfield. Brings performance after performance. Free kick specialist
Tove Almqvist
The young player still finding her place at Linköping. Another player who has had it tough this season with place competition. Now 19 she will surely have a chance to play more next season. Good, Attacking Midfielder with a presence for goal.
Rating 6/10 – Not enough games to rate but played well when called upon
Venera Rexhi
Tough season for Venera to play with so much competition for wingers. Played a vital role with a goal against Eskilstuna. Personally the most skilful and talented ball player in the team. Real shame that she was let go. We all wish Venera the best. Her dribbling and ball skills will be an asset for any team.
Rating 6/10 – Only three games but always gave 100% to the team. Hard to replace with someone with natural skill.
Kristine Minde
Developed into a key midfielder this season. Played every game and contributed with four valuable goals. Played every game played fantastic in all the big games. Reminds me of Louise Fors. Scored some vital goals this season and led by example. Only real weakness for me is leaving the midfield open when moving forward.
Rating 7.5/10 – Great season and the engine of Linköping.
Vera Diatel
Experienced Ukraine player who also has had a tough first season in Linköping. Injury and competition have only seen Vera play nine games this year. I don’t think those fans who do not know have seen her play before know just how talented she is. Deadly corner taker and can hit a free kick!
Rating 6.5/10 – Due to lack of games hard to rate. But now she is getting back to fitness she will certainly be playing more games next year.
Emilia Larsson
Only one game. Cannot judge. I did see Emilia play in some cup games, very good on the ball. Can only grow with experience.
Rating 6/10 – Needs more time to judge.
Attack
Stina Blackstenius
Nineteen games. Seven goals and more assists. Rightly so voted young player of the year in Damallsvenskan. So much pressure the first two years of her career this season she has matured and justified her potential. I can see her as part of the Swedish national team next year as a permanent player. Strong in the air, holds the ball up well and is a good old fashioned centre forward.
Played an amazing season and I feel needs to be more selfish to score more goals.
Rating 9/10 – Wonderful season. Can only improve and become one of the leagues best strikers.
Fridolina Rolfö
Her second season at Linköping and played part of the three-team strike force that forms the new tactics. 18 games played and while only three goals scored in the league we will always remember Fridolina for her hat-trick against Liverpool in the Champions League!
The most unselfish player in the team. Assists are the best part of her game. Let’s hope she stays injury free this year.
Rating 8/10 – Wonderful player who will give everything for the team.
Pernille Harder
What can you say? Seriously? 21 games, 17 goals.
She is, for me, the best striker in the world right now. Voted Damallsvenskan player of the year and who can argue? Consistent goal scorer can take the ball past players like they were not there. Hits a ball better than anyone in the league. Pernille is already the highest scorer in Linköping history.
The hardest part will be getting Pernille to sign a new contract. I feel without regular CL football, Pernille will not stay much longer.
Rating 10/10 – Simply the best. By a LONG way.
Special Mentions
Petra Larsson
Played seven years for Linköping and has retired from football. Led Eskilstuna to a CL place this year and so close to lifting another title. She was a powerful and great midfielder for Linköping and will forever be welcome.
Overall assessment
Worried that Linköping has let so much experience go. While the young players are making progress many fans feel that losing players such as Fraine, Gajhede and Krantz is a step backwards for CL progress.
Goalkeeper – Unless a major signing is announced we have lost a powerful player in Fraine
Defence – Solid defence with Ericsson, Samuelson and Arnth.
Midfield – Lost two big players this year. Have a lot of creativity but need a powerful defensive midfielder in the role of Nilla Fischer to make it complete.
Attack – No complaints. Best in the league.
Original position guess – Second
Final Position – Fourth
Season Rating – Slightly disappointing could be better.
2015/6 league position guess – Third
My top three players of the year
1st – Pernille Harder
2nd – Magdalena Ericsson
3rd – Stina Blackstenius
