Keep an eye on: Nicklas Helenius
               

               Age: 21 (08.05.1991)
          Position: Striker
              Club: Aalborg BK
             Debut: 16-08-2010
                    against HB Køge
International caps: Denmark U21:
                    7 match(es)
                    3 goal(s)
                    Denmark U20:
                    2 match(es)
                    1 goal(s)
             Value: £625.000
                    (transfermarkt.co.uk)

This week’s profile scored 14 goals in this season, which makes him number two on the top scorer list in Denmark. Keep an eye on Aalborg BK’s Nichlas Helenius.

The twenty-one year old striker is not unfamiliar with goals scoring, as he was top scorer for his clubs U19 team with 22 goals. The young talent is aware of his qualities:
“My strengths are my finishing and making my way to the chances. I also believe that I have a good speed, considering my height.”

The impressing statistic resulted in a four year contract and a promotion to the Superliga squad in 2010. While 2010 was a terrible year for AaB and their fans, Helenius had his debut against HB Køge and later scored his first goal against AC Horsens. The striker experienced personal success with 5 goals in four matches, making him the clubs top scorer in a season where they just managed to stay in the best Danish league.

“It was a frustrating season for the club, and especially for us younger players. We had no experience with playing in the Superliga, and then we were a part of the fight against relegation. There were tensions around the club, both from fans and people around the club, but we made it and I think we deserved to stay in the league.”

The personal success was followed up by a selection for the Danish U21 team’s match against Quatar, where Helenius had his debut.

Helenius started the just ended season with a dry period of goal scoring, with almost 1000 minutes without putting the ball in the back of the net. However, this changed when he scored two goals in two matches, and goals started coming in his direction. Manager in Aalborg, describes the attackers journey as:

“He has gone from being a talented young player, to a stabile goal scorer in about a year to a year and a half. He has made great development and has proved in this season that he can score and that he is one of the best strikers in the league.”

The German top club Dortmund was scouting the player, and Director of Sports in AaB, Lynge Jakobsen acknowledge that it could be difficult to keep the young attacker in the club. The interest did not become any smaller when Helenius was selected for the yearly national team of Superliga players, taking part in the King’s Cup in Thailand. Danish media announced that Dutch Roda had made an offer worth 5m Danish kroner (£540.000). However, this was found to be untrue.

The interest from bigger European leagues, is something that gives Helenius an extra boost, he revealed. Perhaps it was this “extra boost” he used when he scored his first hattrick, including an impressing goal, for Aalborg against Silkeborg IF, after the being behind by one, The hattrick impressed European clubs, and not only Roda and Dortmund was reported interested, but also Twente, Feyenoord and Club Brugge was watching him from the stands. Helenius acknowledge the interest but is not hesitating to go abroad:

“The club, my agent and I are agreeing that I will only change club, if it is right for me and  AaB. The club has agreed that they will not sell me, just to get money.”

Manager Kent Nielsen says about the interest that “Helenius is not a bigger name, than he can play in Aalborg next season as well”, but he is also aware that the player might not be in the club when the next season starts:
 
“I hope he stays, but I know as well that the offers to Nicklas or to the club can be too good to say no to.”

Helenius’ next assignment is the U21 friendly against Scotland. The summer will show, if Helenius will be scoring goals in Denmark next season, or if we will see him in a European top club.