• Name: Oliver Kirk Larsen
  • Age: 21 (12.11.1991)
  • Position: Centre Back
  • Club: Hobro IK
  • International Caps: None
  • Value: £100.000

After being a part of the youth department in Odense BK, this young player is now finding his place in the Danish Betsafe Liga club Hobro IK. This week, we keep an eye on Oliver Kirk Larsen.

Oliver Larsen joined Odense BK from Dalum IF as a first year Junior and went trough a trial along with other players. After each training, some of the hopeful players was sent home while others went trough to the next selection. Larsen said:

"I was really uncertain about myself, and just waited to be sent home. However, it never happened and out of nothing I was a part of the youth squad."

Since then, Oliver Larsen became a regular player on the youth teams he represented in Odense, and finally became a part of the Superliga squad. Here, he made a number of matches for the reserves, as well as Superliga debut as 19-year old against FC Nordsjælland. The defender said:

"It was amazing! I was'nt even a part of the squad at the time and did'nt expect to be given any match time. I thought I was only there as a backup in case something crazy should happen. Then, Rasmus Falk picked up an injury, and they decided to bring me on in front of 12.000 people. "

After spending much of his youth career in Odense, as well as playing five senior matches for the club, his contract was not extended. However, Oliver Larsen decided to look forward and hoped that some club would be interested in him. In fact, the defender had to chose between two Betsafe Liga clubs; FC Fyn and Hobro IK.

The young defender thought of his options, and decided to join Hobro instead of the local club FC Fyn:

"It was simply because of the way they play in Hobro. Here in Hobro, I had the impression that they really wants to play football and I my head I believe that you learn more from playing the ball rather than just kick and rush."

In Hobro IK, the coach Klavs Rasmussen was happy with what he saw from Oliver Larsen, during his trial, but he also had a word with his contacts in Odense before signing the player. The coach also believes that the defenders past in a Superliga squad has had it's impact:

"He has a feeling of what it is all about, understanding, he wants to become better, and even though he is not playing, he is still keeping focus on becoming a better player. He has'nt played regularly, but has still challenged his talent and kept on going during training. That is possibly why he has played well when he has got the chance."

Even though, signing with Hobro IK can be seen as a step down for Oliver Larsen, he is happy being a part of the club.

He said: "When I joined the club I saw it as a stepping stone to a new Superliga club. However, I have learned a lot from playing here and have gotten many new friends."

Even though, he is happy at the club Larsen admits that a Superliga club has high priority. However, he is determined to stay in the club till the end of his contract.

A dream scenario for the young player is to play in England at some point of his career and represent one of the major clubs.