Name: Stefan Johansen
Club: Stromsgodset
Nationality: Norwegian
Position: Midfielder
Who is he?
A Norwegian youth talent, Johansen has represented his country from U16 level. But at club level, the midfielder joined the youth ranks of top flight side FK Bodo/Glimt aged 14 in 2005.
He did not have to wait long for his senior debut which came in 2007 at the tender age of 17.
But he only made sporadic first team appearances for the next three seasons. 2010 proved an important season as he played in 19 league games and got seven assists in the process. That put him among the Top 5 goal creators in the Norwegian league that season, despite his youth.
Achievements
However he left FK Bodo/Glimt for Stromsgodset ahead of the 2011 season. But it was not until the 2012 season that he became a key player for his new team. As the club chased a rare title, Johansen played in an advanced midfield role where he found the net three times and picked up five more assists.
Stromsgodset missed out on last season’s Norwegian Tippieligaen. But this season they are on the brink of winning their first league title since 1970 and Johansen has been at the centre of it, providing seven assists and three goals from midfield.
At international level, the 22-year-old was part of Norway’s squad for the 2013 European U21 Championships as they reached the semi-finals.
He has since made his senior Norway debut, earning five caps since his debut against Sweden in August. Indeed, it was a dream start for Johansen who found the net against Norway’s neighbours with a deflected strike from long range.
Attributes
Johansen is a technical central midfielder with a good eye for a pass. Left-footed, his range of passing is impressive and that has been borne out in the number of assists he has provided in recent years. As an example, scroll down to watch one ridiculously pinpoint assist below.
With his wand of a left foot, Johansen is also a direct threat from free-kicks. Positionally he can play in a deep-lying role or slightly further forward.
Potential
At the age of 22, he has already earned multiple caps for his country and become a key player at club level.
He has the raw talent but he will eventually have to leave Norwegian football to reach his full potential. He was allegedly scouted by Sunderland in the summer although Johansen may set his sights higher.
However another season in the Tippieligaen would do no harm.
