Linköpings FC 2017 Season Preview

Well, here we are again! New Year, New Season!

What a year 2016 was! The second title, unbeaten all season in the league. Then…BOOM! Manager leaves, record goal scorer leaves and two key players follow. Here we are in January, new coach, new signings and a Champions League season ahead!

It seems that players are coming and going like a revolving door!

But, as ever, I will give everything to support the team. No matter who goes, or who leaves nobody is bigger than the club so here is my yearly season preview!

Last year I predicted second. So happy that the team proved me wrong. Here is a breakdown of my thoughts on each player.

As of 23 January 2017

Goalkeepers

Casja Andersson

If there was one person to prove me wrong last season, it was Casja! I thought once Katie Fraine left signing a relatively young goalkeeper would have been a mistake. So I will serve Casja a big serving of my humble pie! She was simply outstanding last season. Saved many vital points for the club. If Cajsa can stay in the team for two or three seasons, she will establish herself as one of the best goalkeepers Linköping have ever had and will be knocking on the national team door very soon. Calm, efficient and a fantastic shot stopper. A key player.

Matilda Haglund

Established as the backup keeper. With a full season of Champions League football, Matilda has her chance to shine in cup games and, beholding any injuries to Casja, will be called upon when needed. A young and talented keeper that will have more chance to improve and show us her capability this year.

Defence

Janni Arnth

A key player. At the age of 31, Janni is one of the oldest in the team. A wealth of experience with 66 caps for Denmark, 50 appearances for Linköping. Her experience and commanding presence alongside Ericsson will be vital for the continuation of success this season. Commanding centre-back that reads the game so well. Crucial that Janni keeps injury free this season.

Maja Kildemoes

Alongside Janni another Danish International. After three seasons at Odense a good signing for Linköping. Can be dangerous in attack from set pieces and a solid header of the ball. Will be a great asset for the team this season and has strengthened the backline with this signing. A dangerous and fast player that never stops chasing the ball down.

Lisa Lantz 

Another defender that can play central and wide that brings a wealth of experience to the team. Three solid seasons in Damalsvenskan and at aged 29 it’s another indication of the improvement of the maturity of our defence this year. Very good at breaking the platy up, almost like a defensive midfielder. Will certainly get game time this season. A very capable player.

Jessica Samuelsson

Hard to imagine that Jessica, at the age of 25 Jessica is the second longest-serving player at the club! Without doubt one of the most important players, we have had for years. When I first saw Jessica paly five years ago, I always wondered if she would reach her real potential. Five years on Jessica is one of the best full-backs in the world. Established as an international and rock solid in tackles, great going forward and has a dangerous cross. Most important Jessica is testament that local talent can make dreams come true. Vitally important player.

Magdalena Eriksson

Truly established as the leader both on and off the pitch. Inherited the captain’s role from Rohlin and no better player to lead the team. Commanding in defence, a born leader. Broke into the Swedish national team and establishing her presence there also. Stong, quick, a great header of the ball. Her best assets are that she is constantly improving! Young, talented and far ahead of her years. Sweden has a future captain, and we have a leader and a legend! We look forward to Magda leading us in Europe this year!

Jonna Andersson

You may need to read this twice. Jonna is 24…just turned 24, yet has been at the club EIGHT years! two league titles. I don’t think there is a player quite like Jonna. Earned her place by being patient and last season entirely justified her place in the national team and silver medal. Jonna has found her true position at wing back and will be very hard to change that. Last season was her best by far for Linköping, and she will be vital in any success this year. Quick, tackles like her life depended on it and can score a goal or two also. A truly gifted player.

Midfield

Emma Lennartsson

Now an established midfielder and with the number of midfielders that left at the end of the 2016 season Emma will be an established midfielder this year. Defensive in play but holds up the ball well. Forth season at the club now and her experience will be needed. A gusty tackler has the vision with passing and breaks the play up in counter attack. Important that she plays as she did last year.

Claudia Neto

Voted fans player of the year 2016. Two seasons in the club and the most experienced international midfielder Linköpign have. Ronaldo is not the only famous Portuguese number 7! Over 80 caps for Portugal, a tricky dribbler that has the skill to unlock defences. 28 years old now and will be equally important this year. The only thing I want to see is more attack. Neto is effective for Portugal with seven goals but can be a decent attacking midfielder if switched roles. Worth the experiment.

Tove Almqvist

Another player who can gain more game time this season. Played more games last season than ever for Linköping and made a vital contribution when called upon. As with Neto can be more dangerous than used in the past and this could be the season that defines her career with Linköping. Can hit a free kick also. Will be interesting to see how she progresses this season.

Johanna Rasmusen

A surprising but world class signing! A fifteen-year playing career with almost 150 caps for Denmark. After six years ar Kiristianstads DFF we have captured a great player. Can operate as left back but more comfortable on the wing it will be interesting to see how she works with Samuelsson. One of the most experienced players in world football Johanna can score goals but these days is more of an assist specialist. On the pitch and off the pitch the younger players can learn from this true world class player.

Sara Olai

Young player with a promising future. Not seen to much of Sara to judge but brings an attacking vibe to the team. Will certainly get game time this year and with an attacking midfielder, it will be great to see Sara grow and develop as a player.

Kristine Minde

Third season and making more stake as the leading attacking midfielder as time goes on. With the sale of Rolfö and Harder Mine has the chance to become take the number 10 role and truly make it her own. 11 goals the last season it’s Kristine’s to own now. Free kick, penalty and attacking runner Kristine can unlock games with her natural skill. A player that we need to make sure get enough game time and also enough time to be match fit. It will be essential for her development as a key player for us this year.

Wilma Thörnqvist

Born in the year 2000 makes Wilma our youngest player this season. I have seen her once or twice in the F16, and I hope that she takes the experience this season and increases the development as a player at Linköping.

Attack

Lina Hurtig

The most exciting signing for me this season. With the loss of Harder and Blackstenius Linköping needed a natural goalscorer. If Minde can play central midfield, then Hurtig can be a natural replacement for Harder. Hard to compare, I don’t want to compare, but Lina excites me in a way that Harder did when she first signed. Lina is skilful, quick, pacey and above all mature for her age. I see something special here, could be the signing that we need. No pressure should be put on Lina, let her play her own game. When the time comes, Lina will shine like a light in the darkness.

Alva Selerud 

Again no comparison but with Blackstenius gone a new natural young goalscorer has emerged. Norrköping has again provided a potential talent. Hope that Samuelsson can take Alva under her wing and share the experience. Ten goals last season I am sure we will see Alva grow into a player that our fans will grow to love.

Marija Banušić

The other club I love is Chelsea, and that is where I know Marija from. A talented attacking player she is a player that I believe will fit into the Linköping team as a hidden gem. Strong, physical, quick and above all two-footed. Has a proven goal scoring record ad Kristianstad and IK Sirius.

Manager

Kim Björkegren

Unknown to me! I like a surprise Looks like he can be a huge success, a test for sure! Good luck Kim and welcome!