Name: Ørjan Nyland
Club: Molde
Nationality: Norwegian
Position: Goalkeeper
Who is he?
One of Europe’s best young goalkeepers, Nyland joined Norwegian third tier side Hødd aged 16 in 2007. Initially he was a deputy but in 2010, he became the starting keeper for the club as they made their way to the Norwegian First Division (second tier). During that time, he also trained with two of the Nordic country’s top clubs, Rosenberg and Molde, as well as Everton.
Achievements
Plaudits and awards have rained down on Nyland over the past few years. In 2011 he was one of six young keepers selected by the Norwegian FA as one of the goalkeepers of the future.
Last year, he helped Hødd reach the Norwegian Cup final against Norwegian Premier League side Trømso. Despite playing in a division lower than their opponents, Hødd triumphed on penalties and their then-21 –year-old keeper was the key man.
In a Man of the Match performance he pulled off a string of fantastic saves in normal time and in the penalty shootout.
His good form saw him sign for Norwegian league champions Molde who are coached by ex-Man United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Nyland started the season on the bench but has been first choice since early March, keeping three clean sheets in eight starts.
Internationally he recently represented Norway at the European U21 Championships in June and UEFA named him in their all-star squad alongside Spain and Man United’s David De Gea, helping his country to the semi-finals.
Attributes
Tall at 1m92 and agile, Nyland has quick reflexes which were on show against Spain in the U21 Euros.
Physically robust, the 22-year-old is a commanding presence in his penalty area.
Potential
Nyland garnered positive attention for his performances in the 2013 European U21 Championships and although he has a contract at Molde until 2015, he is sure to interest clubs in the Premier League.
