Name: Casper Sloth
               Age: 20 (26-03-1992)
          Position: Central Midfield
              Club: Aarhus GF (AGF),
                    Danish Superliga
             Debut: 7-12-2009 against
                    Esbjerg FB
International caps: Denmark U21:
                    3 match(es)
                    0 goal(s)
                    Denmark U20:
                    3 match(es)
                    2 goal(s)
                    Denmark U19:
                    3 match(es)
                    0 goal(s)
                    Denmark U18:
                    7 match(es)
                    0 goal(s)
                    Denmark U17:
                    12 match(es)
                    0 goal(s)
             Value: £350.000 (transfermarkt.co.uk


The U21 national player debuted for Aarhus GF in the Danish Superliga aged seventeen and has since played seventy three matches in the white shirt. This week’s talent profile features Casper Sloth, who has been named as one of the greatest talents in Denmark.

Sloth joined Aarhus GF from the Danish 2. Division club Brabrand IF in 2004, aged eleven and played his way up through the club's youth department. The midfielders career started running fast when he in 2008 had his debut on the Danish U17 national team against Ukraine in the Syrenka Cup. The year after he was a part of AGF’s first team squad and played for the club’s 2. Division team. Later that year he had his debut in the Superliga against Esbjerg, when he was sent on the pitch with fifteen minutes left. Aarhus GF Manager Peter Sørensen said about the player:
“He is a player with a great potential, which is beginning to be released. He is has great skills with the ball and a fine view for the game and where to play the ball and he has the potential to become both goal scorer and assist, but still lacks a little behind when it comes to win balls and become a bit more power in his duels if he is going to make it on the central midfield.” 

Casper Sloth scored his first and second goal for AGF in the Superliga match against Silkeborg IF in 2010. The same year, Aarhus, was relegated to the Danish 1. Division. The season in the lower division should help the player to have his breakthrough in the club. However, the season was ruined by injuries:

“It was not the best year. First I had an ankle injury, then I pulled a muscle, and it was limited how much I played while we were down in 1. Division. I am just happy that we were promoted for the season after.”

Late in 2010, Sloth was rumored to Herenveen by the Danish website AGFfan.dk, but the midfielder denied that he knew anything about it. However, the talent is open for a stay abroad and “Holland could be a great place to play, or Germany and the 1. Bundesliga”, leagues that player believes would “suit” him.

The Danish player has so far played twenty eight matches in the national shirt and sees the A-squad as a future possibility. However, the first aim is to get some more matches on the U21 team and Peter Sørensen advices the player to one step at a time: 

“He shall take time to develop his play further on those parameters where he can something special.”

Casper Sloth has so far played twenty three matches and scored no goals in this season, but he can change this today, when the club meets FC Norsjælland at 16.00.

                                      
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Great Dane Football Blog – UK Edition will every week give four suggestions on where to place your bets in the weekend. This week takes us to four top clashes in Italy, Scotland and Holland. Place your bets!









Italian Serie A



28-04-12 – 19.45
Roma
-
Napoli
Ladbrokes
6/4
23/10
7/4
888Sport.com
6/4
9/4
7/4
Unibet.com
2.55
3.25
2.65

Roma has won five of the last ten matches between the two teams. Based on this, Roma is favorites for the win. However, Napoli needs to win in order to keep distance to the Romans, who is only one point behind. Roma has not had the season they hoped for and have lost the last two matches in Serie A, while Napoli has won. Therefore, I could see Napoli as a winner of this match, especially if Édison Carvani is in a mood for goals.
Scottish Premier League



29-04-12 – 12.45
Celtic
-
Glasgow Rangers
Ladbrokes
4/5
5/2
7/2
888Sport.com
8/11
13/5
15/4
Unibet.com
1.75
3.45
4.50

The Old Firm is always a tough one. Celtic is already champions but will not go easy on the one. Both sides hates losing to each other and will go into this for a win. Rangers won the last meeting, with a 3-2 victory and Celtic will do anything to win the last Old firm in this season. My bet for this match will be a small victory to Celtic.
Dutch Eredivise



29-04-2012 – 13.30
Twente
-
Ajax
Ladbrokes
6/4
9/4
7/5
888Sport.com
8/5
23/10
8/5
Unibet.com
2.55
3.35
2.60

There is currently seven points between the two teams in the top of the Dutch Eredivise. Ajax Amsterdam is ranked as number one, while Twente is number five. The matches between the two teams are usually tight, and this one is going to be just another one. Ajax Amsterdam is on a winning streak with incredible eleven victories in a row while Twente has not lost in six matches. The bets on this match are almost even, put I will put my money on Twente, as Ajax’s winning streak has to come to an end at some point. With Twente’s top scorer, Luuk De Jong in the starting XI, the time may have come.
Dutch Eredivise



29-04-2012 – 13.30
Feyenoord
-
 AZ Alkmaar
Ladbrokes
11/10
11/15
2/1
888Sport.com
11/10
12/5
11/5
Unibet.com
2.15
3.40
3.15

Number one and number two in the Eredivise meets in this clash. Both teams currently have sixty-one points and an almost equal goal score. Feyenoord has not lost in eight matches, and with John Guidetti in top form, they seem extremely dangerous. However, Alkmaar has won the last five matches between the two teams and might as well win this one. It is going to be a tight game, and Ajax is favorites, but I put my money on Alkmaar.
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Last week's football list featured the five most influential Danish players in the Premier League. This week it is all about the five least influential Danish players.








1.    Per Krøldrup
      Everton: 1 Premier League match, 1 FA Cup match

The Danish defender joined Everton from Udinese in 2005, but got injured before playing his first match for the team. He had his debut and only match in the Premier League, in the 4-0 to Aston Villa, as well as a FA Cup match against Millwall as a substitute. After a failing season in Everton, Krøldrup signed a contract with Italian Fiorentina, where he still plays. Per Krøldrup was ranked as the fifth worst player to have ever played for one of the Merseyside clubs, By Liverpool Echo in 2007.

2.    Martin Johansen
      Coventry City: 2 Premier League matches, 1 League Cup match
 

Martin Johanssen joined Coventry City from FC Copenhagen in 1997. After a successful period in Copenhagen, Coventry bought Johansen from the Danish club while Bolton bought his twin brother Michael. While Michael Johansen had a successful stay in Bolton, Martin spend two seasons on the bench and only made three appearances for Coventry before transferring to Lyngby BK in 1999.

3.    Mikkel Bischoff 
      Manchester City: 1 Premier League match,
      1 UEFA Cup match
      Wolverhampton Wanderes: 11 Championship matches
      Sheffield Wednesday: 4 Championship match
      Coventry City: 3 Championship matches

Manchester City signed Mikkel Bischoff from Akademisk Boldklub in a try to strengthen the team for the future. However, Bischoff’s stay in Manchester was far from successful. After his first match for the club, he had to go through surgery due to a hernia injury. When he was back for the club, he injured his foot during a Danish U21 match. The season after he appeared in his second and last match for City, in the UEFA Cup match against TNS from Wales.  Bischoff went on a successful one month loan in Wolverhampton Wanderers, followed up by a loan in Coventry City. In 2007, the Dane was joined the Danish club Brøndby on a free transfer. Today, Bischoff is on a free agent.

4.    Carsten Fredgaard 
      Sunderland: 1 Premier League matches,
      4 League Cup matches
      West Bromwich Albion: 5 Division One matches
      Bolton Wanderers:  5 Division One matches

Carsten Fredgaard started his unsuccessful stay in Sunderland in 1999. Even though, she scored two goals on the League Cup (Worthington Cup) Fredgaard never worked himself into the first team squad, and he is most known for his nickname, Chocolate Fireguard, during his Sunderland era. Carsten Fredgaard won on a loan in both West Bromwich and Bolton Wanderers before joining FC Copenhagen in 2001, where he had more success. Fredgaard today plays in the Danish 2. Division for HIK.

5.    Christian Poulsen
      Liverpool: 12 Premier League matches, 9 Europa League matches

When Liverpool signed Christian Poulsen in August 2010, they signed a player with a great C.V. With over hundred matches for Schalke 04 in the German Bundesliga, as well as a great reputation in Spain and Italy after his seasons in Sevilla and Juventus. However, Christian Poulsen never got the success in Liverpool as he could have hoped for. He was one of Roy Hodgsons purchases that never had an impact on the squad, and the fans often found his performances lacking in skill. After Kenny Dalglish took over in the club, time ran out for Poulsen, who transferred to Evian.




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Follow up: Alexander Juel Andersen - five shot shootout

In relation to last weeks talent profile, Alexander Juel Andersen answers 5 questions from the twelve yard spot.

Who is your idol?

Steven Gerrard, without a doubt. He has had an influence on the world of football the last ten years with his unique play. I see him as a complete player, and he has always been one of the players that I have been following. Especially, when I was younger and positioned as a midfielder. I always looked at his play and tried to interpret some of the things I saw with him in the television. I will presumably never reach his level, but it is good to have someone to look up to.



What is the height of your career so far?

To be Captain in Viborg, is probably my greatest experience.


Where is Alexander Juel Andersen in 10 years?

In ten years, I will be… thirty one. Well, hopefully I have played a couple of years in Premier League and have a great success with what I am doing. I hope to be playing football till I am forty, but it is the fewest who is capable of it. In ten years, I have played some of my best years in the Premier League and will still be playing there.

Who from AC Horsens should the European football clubs keep an eye on?

Martin Spelmann and Martin Retov
When you look for players, you look for players for the future. A player like Martin Spelmann, who is a hot name in Denmark, is playing really well for us and has done so for a while. Another player could be Martin Retov, who has played abroad before. However, you might not see him abroad in the future.

Who is going to win the English Premier League this season?

United [Manchester] is going to take the title. They have tried this before. The table doesn’t lie, and I believe that it is impressing that they can keep playing this good, year after year. I am not a Manchester United fan at all. However, compared to City [Manchester] they don’t have star team, but they keep playing so well together, and off course it is also because of Alex Ferguson.
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The Danish FA (DBU) was all over the Danish Media yesterday, after they banned the players from using Social Medias during the Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine.

The reason for banning Twitter and Facebook during the Euro 2012 is to keep the communication with the media within the planned press conferences and to keep the players focus on the tournament.

Lars Berendt, Chief of Communication in DBU, said to sporten.tv2.dk that:
“We have an agreement with the players, that they will not be active on the Social Medias during the European Championships”.

However, it does not sound like there is an agreement between the FA and the players, as Stoke goalkeeper Thomas Sørensen, last night said to the same website, that he did not agree with DBU. The decision was also met with wonder from the press and the Danish Minister of Culture Uffe Elbæk, who demanded an explanation from DBU.

To make things even worse for the Danish FA, Lars Berendt yesterday told that the Twitter-ban had existed for a while, and “the players have never used their private Twitter-accounts or Facebook, when they have been gathered with the national team”. However, this was proved wrong by a Danish newspaper today, when they found old tweets from Thomas Sørensen and Evian midfielder Christian Poulsen, posted before and after a match against Norway.

The ban, now known as “Twitter-gate” in Denmark, has been met by skepticism from Danish fans on the Social Media.  Danish Sports commentator Andreas Kraul, from Danish Radio tweeted:
“What is it actually the DBU afraid of the national players should tweet about?”

The answer was partly answered this morning, when Berendt on national television told that the players would be able to live chat through an DBU app and that the players would earn money on this. It sounds like the Danish FA has made some commercial deals and is afraid of losing them, if the players use their private twitter.
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What's worth watching this week? 
Week 17

Great Dane Football Blog - UK Edition gives a view on what's worth watching in football. This week features Champions League Semifinals, FA Premier League, The Old Firm in Scotland and Italian top clash!







Barcelona - Chelsea FC
UEFA Champions League Semifinals 2. leg
Camp Nou
24-04-2012 at 19.45 BST

Head-to-head (last 10 matches):

 Barcelona: 3 victories / 15 goals

     Draws: 4 

Chelsea FC: 3 victories / 13 goals

After last week’s Chelsea victory in the first leg, some would say that the pressure is on Barcelona. However, I would still put pressure on Chelsea. It is going to be interesting to see, if the Londoners can keep Barcelona away from the goal in ninety minutes. It is going to be David against Goliat, and this time, the giant is going to win. I am looking forward to see a goal show from the Catalan offensive. Worth watching!


Real Madrid - Bayern Munich
UEFA Champions League Semifinals 2. leg
Santiago Bernabéu
25-04-2012 at 19.45 BST  

Head-to-head (last 10 matches):

Real Madrid: 3 victories / 11 goals

      Draws: 2

Bayern Munich: 5 victories / 12 goals

Bayern won the first leg with a late goal by Mario Gomez and goes into this match with a 2-1 victory. Munich has played well in the UEFA Champions League the last couple of years and might surprise at Bernabéu on Wednesday night. However, Real Madrid will do anything to be in the final and Bayern Munich will have to fight with everything they got. This could turn out to be an entertaining and hard played match! If Munich is able to close down for Ronaldo, it might lead to a win. Looking forward to this one!


Wigan Athletic - Newcastle United
English Premier League Round 36
JJB Stadium
28-04-2012 at 15.00 BST

Head-to-head (last 10 matches):

  Wigan Athletic: 3 victories / 10 goals

           Draws: 2

Newcastle United: 5 victories / 13 goals

Even though, Wigan is positioned in the lower part of the English Premier League, they have shown the selves as ‘top team killers’. Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal have all lost to the Latics this season, and Newcastle could be the next. Wigan needs three points to get further away from relegation, and in the other end of the table, Newcastle can move in on Arsenal and thereby the third position on the league. The interesting about this match is to see if Newcastle can beat Wigan or if it is going to be another surprising Wigan win. 


Celtic FC - Glasgow Rangers
Scottish Premier League Round 35
Celtic Park
29-04-2012 at 12.45 BST

Head-to-head (last 10 matches):

      Celtic FC: 4 victories / 15 goals

          Draws: 3

Glasgow Rangers: 3 victories / 13 goals

Even though, Celtic is way ahead of Rangers in the league, the Old Firm is always worth watching. The tension between the two clubs is displayed in the stands, every time they meet, and there is a special atmosphere around the match. Last meeting ended with a 3-2 victory to Rangers and was some kind of a match with a red card and two goals in the last minutes. Hopefully, this watch will present some of that excitement. Defiantly worth watching!


Udinese - Lazio
Serie A Round 35
Friuli
29-04-2012 at 19.45 BST

Head-to-head (last 10 matches):

Udinese: 3 victories / 19 goals

  Draws: 4

  Lazio: 3 victories / 20 goals

Udinese and Lazio are currently positioned as number three and four in the league, with two points separating the two teams. However, this may change doing the midweek round. Udinese and Lazio are known for their close matches, and this one might be just another one. Both teams have some deadly strikers in and Antonio Di Natale and Miroslav Klose, both able to be decisive in this match.  It is hard to say if this will end as a boring draw or a goal show. However, you have to watch to find out!

 



 


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Keep an eye on: Alexander Juel Andersen

               Age: 21 (29-01-1991)  
          Position: Central Defender
              Club: AC Horsens,
                    Danish Superliga 
             Debut: 24-06-2011
                    against
                    FC Nordsjælland
                    (1-1)
International caps: Denmark U20: 1 match(es)
                                 0 goal(s)
                    Denmark U19: 6 match(es)
                                 0 goal(s)
                    Denmark U18: 3 match(es)
                                 0 goal(s)
                    Denmark U17: 16 match(es)
                                  2 goal(s)
             Value: £175.000 (transfermarkt.co.uk)


The twenty year old defender describes himself as a:
"Solid defender who has control over his defensive duties, and wants to participate in the offensive play where I have some qualifications. I am an all-around player and can play both right back center defend and center midfield. And at last, my heading is one of my strengths".

However, Alexander Juel Andersen is aware of his weaknesses, as he wants to be “even better in the offensive play, and maybe get some extra kilos on his body”.

He started playing football in Brunshåb Tapdrup IF as a child before moving on to Viborg Søndermarken IK and later Viborg F.F’s youth department, FK Viborg. Here, he got a two year contract in 2006, aged 15. The footballer’s talent was not to be missed as he went into 2007 with a trial in the French club AS Monaco, and later that year had his debut for Viborg F.F in the Danish Superliga, aged 16. The sixth youngest debutant throughout the history of the Danish Superliga.

Juel Andersen said about his stay in Monaco, that:
“It teached me how it is to be a youth player abroad, and it was not something that addressed my at the given time.”

However, the defender does not exclude an adventure abroad as “it is something else, when you’re an adult player and a senior player, and have had your breakthrough in your home country.”

In 2007, Alexander Juel Andersen had his debut for the Danish U17 national team in the Internordic match between Denmark and Belgium and was a regular part of the team throughout the tournament. His first goal in the national shirt came against Finland in the Syrenka Cup, same year, when Juel Andersen scored in the first minute of the match.

Alexander Juel Andersen continued his Denmark career on the Danish U18 national team, where he in his second match, was announced as Captain for the team. The year after, aged 19, Andersen also became Captain in Viborg. The modest defender was glad for the experience and said:
“It means a lot to become captain in such a young age. Viborg was my childhood club, and I am from Viborg as well, so it meant a lot and teached me how to manage a team”.

After sixty eight matches for Viborg, Juel Andersen, announced that he would continue his career in the Danish Superliga club AC Horsens, on a free transfer. During the last six months of his Viborg contract, the defender was on a loan in Randers FC.

After recovering from his injuries, the new Horsens player announced that he was looking to be a regular part of the team which he, since his debut against FC Nordsjælland in 2011, more or less has been. While the player is aiming to be a profile in the club, he is not expecting to be captain:

“It can be a couple of years before I am going to be a captain in Horsens. There are a lot of experienced players before me.”

The next target for the young talent is to be a part of the Danish U21 national team.
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Great Dane Football Blog – UK Edition will every week give four suggestions on where to place your bets in the weekend. This week takes us around the English Premier League, German 1. Bundesliga and the Italian Serie A and El Clásico in Spain!









German 1. Bundesliga



21-04-12 – 14.30
Werder Bremen
-
Bayern Munich
11/5
13/5
11/10
11/5
5/2
11/10
3.05
3.45
2.20

Werder Bremen needs three points to bring themselves back in the top and in position for European football next season. However, the opponent is Bayern Munich, which Bremen has not won against since 2008. There is a guaranty for goals when these two meets and it is well worth considering betting on goals scored in the match. The two last meetings have ended 4-1 and 3-1 in Bayerns favor. Saturdays match is going to be a one sided affair with Bayern Munich as winners, perhaps 3-1.

English Premier League



21-04-12 – 12.45
Arsenal
-
Chelsea FC
Evens
5/2
13/5
Evens
12/5
11/4
2.00
3.45
3.80

The classic London derby between Arsenal and Chelsea is always a tricky bet. Arsenal has won the last two meetings with a 3-1 and 5-3 victory. However, Chelsea seems to be back in form and have not lost within the last three Premier League matches. An advantage for Arsenal can be the fact that Chelsea has played a midweek match against Barcelona and, therefore, could suffer from tiredness. I am putting my fade in Robin Van Persie and his goal scoring for this match and bets on an Arsenal win. Maybe even risking my money on a 3-2 victory with odds 25/1 at Ladbrokes.

Spanish Primera Divison



21-04-12 – 19.00
Barcelona
-
Real Madrid
4/6
16/5
10/3
4/6
11/4
15/4
1.65
4.00
5.00

Real Madrid has not won against Barcelona in ten matches, but it could change Saturday.  El Clásico has produced goals within the last ten matches and with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo fighting to win the top scorer prize this should not be an exception. However, I can not name a winner and, therefore, choses to bet on a draw, even though Barcelona is clear favorites according to the bookmakers. If both Ronaldo and Messi get some free space to play, this could end in a goal festival.

Italian Series A



22-04-12 – 19.45
Juventus
-
AS Roma
1/2
3/1
11/2
4/9
16/5
6/1
1.50
4.00
7.00

Juventus is currently ranked as the number one in the Italian Series A, one point ahead of AC Milano. Roma, on the other hand, has not had the season they hoped for and is positioned just outside the top. Juventus is the favorites for Sundays match and is the most safe bet. However, this looks more likely to be a boring draw, as both clubs does not have the attackers to make the decisive move. I am betting my money on the big X for this match!

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