Photo: AGF.DK
  • Name: Victor Nielsen
  • Age: 18 (08.03.1995)
  • Position: Right Back
  • Club: AGF U19
  • International Caps: 
    • Denmark U19
      • 2 matches
      • 0 goals
    • Denmark U18
      • 2 matches
      • 0 goals
  • Value: Unknown


He is 18-years old, and one of the prospects for the future in Aarhus GF. Furthermore, he has already made a move between two rivalling clubs! This week, we take a look at Victor Nielsen, an upcoming defender in the Danish Superliga.

It all started in Hasle Boldklub, the club of a small suburban town just outside the Danish metropolis Aarhus. Here, Victor Nielsen played football after school along with his mates. Later, Nielsen and two of his best friends took the next step and joined Skovbakken in Aarhus. After a couple of years in Skovbakken, the talent felt that he had achieved what he could with the small club:

“I had ambitions of more, and Skovbakken had been in a conflict with AGF because they didn’t want to be a farmer club. I knew that If I should take the next step it would be with Randers or AGF, and then I choose AGF,” Victor Nielsen says.


Three
clubs are battling to be the best in Aarhus; AGF, Aarhus Fremad and Skovbakken. For many years, AGF has been the best club in the city , and they are currently playing in the Danish Superliga and is in many ways theelder brother” among the clubs. Meanwhile, the clubs have always been rivals, so it wasn’t the most popular move Nielsen made when he decided to skip Skovbakken and move to AGF:

“There is always some... when we met Skovbakken for the first time, I could still shake their hands after the match, but there is always some who will be less fond of me after the change of clubs", Nielsen says.


In AGF,
the talent was one of 11 new players - or as Nielsen puts it – 11 diva’s all wanting to play every match. Right from the start he felt the more competitive environment, but quickly managed to adapt to it. When he joined the club, he was a talented Wing, but after just six months he was repositioned as a back. His current coach in the AGF U19 squad, Claus Therkildsen says about Victor Nielsen:

“He has his speed and his eager to come forward on the pitch and help in the attacking play. That is definitely some of the things he has brought with him from his time as a winger. Furthermore, he strikes some excellent crossings, which is very significant.”


The talents abilities have also been noticed higher in the club, and Nielsen has so far played a couple of matches for the reserves. However, if you ask Therkildsen the only reason why Nielsen is not a part of the senior squad is that there currently are two players on his position. One of them is Alexander Juel - who Great Dane Football Blog earlier have written about – who was brought in this summer, and Victor Nielsen acknowledges that there still is some way to the top. However, Nielsen knows what it takes to become a professional footballer:

“I need to develop my attacking play much more because that is what makes me different from the others. I also need to use my speed – is a gift I have been given – and get even better in my defensive abilities.”


The coach is sure that his talent will make it if he can just add those extra 10% needed in his development and as you can see Nielsen is determined to reach his goal. When the author of this article finished off his interview with the player, he wished him luck and hoped to see him in the Danish Superliga in the future. “You will” was the answer.
 
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The following Friday's the Friday Five will list 5 new players on different positions to keep an eye on during this Premier League season. Last week we took a look at the new defenders; this Friday we are looking at the midfielders.






5. Victor Wanyama, 22, Southampton FC
Joined from Celtic

Despite refusing to join Southampton just to help Celtic, the Kenyan midfielder is not turning out for The Saints. The 22-year-old was one of the profiles in last years Celtic squad, and was rumoured to several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Liverpool before signing with Southampton. The Kenyan made his way to Europe through Swedish youth football and a couple of years in the Belgian club Beerschot AC. At the South coast,  Wanyama have already made his way to the starting lineup and will throughout the season only develop further, to perhaps, become one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

4. Marco van Ginkel, 20, Chelsea FC
Joined from Vitesse

The Dutch talent is a product of Vitesse Arnhem's youth department, and had his debut in the Eresdivisie when he was only 17 years old. Van Ginkel was the first signing from José Mourinho and is without a doubt brought in as a developing player. The Dutch has so far played 2 international matches for the Netherlands and is considered as one of the next big hopes for the future. In Chelsea,  he has so far played 13 minutes, and will probably be used most as a substitute this season. However, as the talent is capable of playing both the attacking midfield and the central midfield, he might be given the chance against some of the mid-table Premier League clubs and in the cups.

3. Leroy Fer, 23, Norwich City
Joined from Twente

Another Dutchman has joined the Premier League this summer; Leroy Fer is the new playmaker in Norwich. However, the Dutch could have played for Everton this winter if it was not for the fact that he failed the medical test. Fer is from the Feyenoord youth department and played 104 matches for the Eresdivise club before joining Twente in 2011. Now he is ready for Norwich, where he already have shown that he is a midfielder who knows where the goal is scoring his first goal in a League Cup match against Bury FC. During his time in the Netherlands he scored 14 goals for Feyenoord and 12 for Twente. However, the attacking midfielder can also be used on the central and defensive midfield.

2. Fernandinho, 28, Manchester City
Joined from Shakhtar Donetsk

Manchester City has spent the summer bringing in some new faces, and one of them is the Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho. The 28-year old playmaker was an important part of Shakhtar's success last season, and the Ukrainians was not ready to let him go for peanuts. £28m was what Manchester City had to give to get the Brazilian international to England. However, for the £28m they get a player that scored 52 goals and made 51 assists in 281 matches for Shakhtar, so there is no doubt City has brought in a great midfielder. Hopefully, he can add to his impressing statistic in Manchester City.

1. Paulinho, 25, Tottenham Hotspur
Joined from Corinthians 

José Paulo Bezerra Maciel Júnior, also known as Paulinho, was on Tottenhams short list the entire last season. This summer they finally got the Brazilian, who was one of the best players at the summers Confederations Cup where he played 4 matches and scored 2 goals. During his first matches in Tottenham, he has already shown why Andrés Villa-Boas was so keen to sign midfielder as he has shown to be an enforcement of the attacking midfield. I have very high expectations to this Brazilian star, who can become one of the best players in the Premier League this season. 
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The transfer window is coming to a close, and the clubs are preparing the last couple of signings. Great Dane Football Blog collects the week's transfer rumours for you!

Crystal Palace are ready to sign another failed Arsenal player as they have been in talks with Nicklas Bendtner (The Mirror) - Probability: Medium


Atlectico Madrid wants Juan Mata on loan from Chelsea, and have sent a representative to London (Daily Mail) - Probability: Low

Manchester United and Chelsea are in the battle to sign Porto's French defender Eliaquim Mangala (The Mirror) - Probability: Medium

Cardiff wants to sign Barcelona forward Isaac Cuenca on a season long loan (The Mirror) - Probability: Low

The North London rivals, Arsenal and Spurs are both in the race for Bulgarian winger Todor Nedelev (Daily Mail) - Probability: Medium

Carlton Cole is close to a move to Championship club Reading (The Sun) - Probability: High

Wigan midfielder James McCarthy has been lined up to replace Yohan Cabaye in Newcastle (The Mirror) - Probability: High

Wayne Rooney is staying in Manchester United, and will not hand in a transfer request (The Sun) - Probability: High

Mesut Özil wants around £200k per week if he is to move to Arsenal or Manchester United (The Sun) - Probability: Low

Demba Ba are on talks to join Newcastle on a season-long loan from Chelsea (The Mirror) - Probability: Medium


Chelsea have agreed a deal with Samuel Eto'o, worth £7million in wages (Daily Mail) - Probability: High

Leighton Baines has requested a move to Manchester United (The Independent)  - Probability: Medium



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The first match of the 3rd round of the Premier League was played a couple of weeks back, the rest follows this week. Great Dane Football Blog gives you his predictions!









Chelsea - Aston Villa
2-1
Stamford Bridge
21-08-2013 @ 19.45 UK







Lineup:

Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Cole; Ramires, Lampard, Mata; Oscar, Ba, Hazard.

Aston Villa (4-3-3): Guzan; Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Luna; El Ahmadi, Westwood, Delph; Weimann, Benteke, Agbonlahor.

Goals: 

6' 1-0 Antonio Luna
45' 1-1 Christian Benteke
73' 2-1 Branislav Ivanovic


Manchester City - Hull City
City of Manchester Stadium
31-08-2013 @ 12.45 UK








Probable lineup:

Manchester City (4-4-2): Hart; Zabaleta, Nastasic, Lescott, Clichy; Navas, Touré, Fernandinho, Silva; Aguero, Dzeko.

Injuries: Kompany (Groin), Richards (Hamstring). Doubts: Jovetic (Lack of match fitness). Bans: None.

Hull City (4-3-3): McGregor; Elmohamady, Chester, Davies, Figuero; Huddlestone, Koren, Livermore; Aluko, Graham, Brady.

Injuries: Faye (Calf), Quinn (Hamstring). Doubts: None. Bans: Sagbo.

Manchester City has the chance to shake off the shock loss against Cardiff when Hull visits the Stadium of Manchester on Saturday. Meanwhile, Hull fighted their way to a 1-0 win against Norwich and know that it will take even more to take 3 points with them from Manchester. That said, not many gave Cardiff a chance last week. Furthermore, the last time the two teams met Hull pulled out with a 2-1 victory, but that was back in 2010. On Saturday, Hull will have to do their best to keep City from scoring goals, and despite Manchester is missing Kompany and Richards they will be the dominant side in this match.


Cardiff City - Everton
Ninian Park
31-08-2013 @ 15.00 UK






Probable lineup:

Cardiff City (4-3-3): Marshall; Connolly, Caulker, Turner, Taylor; Gunnarsson, Medel, Bo-Kyung; Bellamy, Cornelius, Whittingham.

Injuries: None. Doubts: None. Bans: None.

Everton (4-3-3): Howard; Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Barkley, Fellaini, Osman; Mirallas, Jelavic, Pienaar.

Injuries: Alcaraz (Hamstring). Doubts: Gibson (Knee), Hibbert (Knock). Bans: None.

Cardiff was the big surprise last round, and showed that they are not to be underestimated. This week Everton is visiting Wales with two draws in their bag. The Toffees has managed to keep their profiles, but doesn't seem to work well under their new manager. That said they were almost drowning with chances against West Bromwich Albion but just couldn't get it in the back of the net. From a Danish view, this match is very exciting as Andreas Cornelius can get his first Premier League starter, and he will be eager to show the fans that he is worth the money. Cardiff is flying after last week, and I believe that can get a great result against Everton; perhaps a 2-0 win.


West Ham United - Stoke City
Upton Park
31-08-2013 @ 15.00 UK








Probable lineup:

West Ham United (4-3-3): Jääskeläinen; Demel, Collins, Reid, O'Brien; Diamé, Nolan, Noble; Downing, Maiga, Jarvis.

Injuries: Carroll (Foot). Doubts: McCartney (Knee). Bans: None.

Stoke City (4-4-1-1): Begovic; Cameron, Shawcross, Huth, Pieters; Walters, Wilson, N'Zonzi, Etherington; Adam; Crouch.

Injuries: Palacios (Illness), Shea (Leg). Doubts: None. Bans: None.

West Ham has started well with a win against Cardiff and a draw against Newcastle while the Potters lost against Liverpool and won against Crystal Palace. Both teams are expected to have a struggle staying in the Premier League, but at the moment Stoke seems to be the side having the hardest time. In my opinion,  West Ham is favorites for this match, despite an injured Andy Carroll. They just seem to have more decisive players than Stoke, and will do their best to try and stay at their current position in the Premier League.


Norwich City - Southampton FC
Carrow Road
31-08-2013 @ 15.00 UK








Probable lineup:

Norwich City (4-4-1-1): Ruddy; Martin, Bassong, Turner, Garrido; Snodgrass, Tettey, Johnson, Redmond; Fer; van Wolfswinkel.

Injuries: Bennett (Knee), Hooper (Shin). Doubts: None. Bans: None.

Southampton FC (4-4-1-1): Boruc; Clyne, Fonte, Lovren, Shaw; Ward-Prowse, Schneiderlin, Wanyama, Lallana; Osvaldo; Lambert.

Injuries: None. Doubts: Shaw (Knock). Bans: None.

Big spending Norwich hasn't had the start of the season that they hoped for, with a draw and a loss in the first two matches. So far the Dutch partnership between Leroy Fer and Ricky van Wolfswinkel has so far only produced 1 goal, but this can change against Southampton. The Saints has started the season with a win and a draw and are determined to stay midtable. With no current injuries,  the situation looks good for Southampton manager Pochettino before this match. However, if Norwich can get Fer and Wolfwinkel started I only see the Canaries in this match.


Newcastle United - Fulham FC
St James Park
31-08-2013 @ 15.00 UK








Probable lineup:

Newcastle United (4-4-2): Krul; Debuchy, Coloccini, Yanga-Mbiwa, Santon; Ben Arfa, Sissoko, Anita, Marveaux; Ameobi, Cissé.

Injuries: Taylor (Knee), Remy (Calf). Doubts: Gutiérrez (Hamstring), Tioté (Groin). Bans: Taylor.

Fulham FC (4-4-1-1): Stockdale; Riether, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise; Duff, Sidwell, Parker, Taarabt; Berbatov; Bent.

Injuries: Amorebieta (Knock), Richardson (Hamstring), Stekelenburg (Shoulder). Doubts: None. Bans: None. 

Newcastle is one of the teams expected to be fighting for their existence in the Premier League this season, and the pressure did not get any lesser on Alan Pardew after drawing with West Ham. Meanwhile, Fulham is midtable after last week's loss to Arsenal and will be eager to get back on the horse against Newcastle. The new man in the white shirt, Darren Bent, will be preferred in front while Berbatov will be given an 8'ers role against Newcastle. There is no doubt in my mind that Fulham are favorites for this match, but Newcastle is definitely not ready to just give up. This could very well end in a draw.


Crystal Palace - Sunderland  AFC
Selhurst Park
31-08-2013 @ 17.30 UK








Probable lineup:

Crystal Palace (4-3-3): Speroni; Ward, Gabbidon, Delaney, Moxey; Campaña, Dikgacio, Jedinak; Williams, Chamakh, Gayle.

Injuries: Bolasie (Hamstring), Murray (Knee). Doubts: Parr (Lack of match fitness). Bans: None.

Sunderland AFC (4-4-1-1): Westwood; Celustka, O'Shea, Diakité, Colback; Johnson, Larsson, Gardner, Giaccherini; Sessegnon; Altidore.

Injuries: Bardsley (Foot), Brown (Knee). Doubts: Cattermole (Knee), Fletcher (Ankle). Bans: None.

Just as expected Crystal Palace has had trouble from the start of this season. The newly promoted Londoners was unlucky in their first match against Tottenham while Stoke simply was better in the second match. Sunderland, on the other hand, has managed to get one point from their first two matches, drawing against Southampton. Marouane Chamakh, on loan from Arsenal, scored in his debut for Crystal Palace and showed several times what he was capable of, and he will be interesting to follow in this match. However, Sunderland has more routine than Crystal Palace, and I think they will work their way to a comfortable victory.


Liverpool - Manchester United
Anfield Road
01-09-2013 @ 13.30 UK








Probable lineup:

Liverpool (4-3-3): Mignolet; Johnson, Agger, Skrtel, Enrique; Henderson, Gerrard, Lucas; Coutinho, Sturridge, Aspas.

Injuries: Allen (Hamstring), Coates (Knee), Touré (Groin). Doubts: Skrtel (Knee). Bans: Suarez.

Manchester United (4-4-1-1): De Gea; Evra, Ferdinand, Vidic, Jones; Giggs, Carrick, Cleverley, Valencia; Welbeck; van Persie.

Injuries: Fletcher (Illness), Hernández (Thigh), Nani (Knock), Rafael (Hamstring), Young (Knock). Doubts: Powell (Leg). Bans: None.

It is almost as there is a goal guarantee when these two sides meet; at least 1 goal has been scored in the last 10 matches. This one should be no exception, and we can expect both of the teams to play some great attacking football. Liverpool's pacey front line will without a doubt cause problems for United's two veteran central defenders Ferdinand and Vidic. On the other side, Manchester United has one of the best strikers in the Premier League, and we know he can cause problems for all teams. Furthermore, Manchester United's midfield might not be the best in the history of the club, but Carrick and Cleverley have shown to work together just fine.


West Bromwich - Swansea City
The Hawthorns
01-09-2013 @ 13.30 UK








Probable lineup:

West Bromwich Albion (4-4-2): Foster; Jones, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell; Morrison, Yacob, Mulumbu, Dorrans; Long, Rosenberg

Injuries: Anelka (Personal issues), Gera (Knee), Reid (Knock), Thorne (Knee). Doubts: Foster (Foot). Bans: None

Swansea City (4-4-1-1): Vorm; Rangel, Williams, Chico, Davies; Routledge, Britton, Shelvey, Hernández; Michu; Bony.

Injuries: None. Doubts: Dyer (Hamstring). Bans: None.

None of the two teams have lived up to last years performances so far in the season; WBA have started with a draw and a loss while Swansea has lost their first two matches. It has to be said though that Swansea have met Manchester United and Tottenham. Now, last years big surprises meet each at The Hawthorns for a promising match. Swansea has spent the summer bringing in some interesting names while West Bromwich have been more relaxed with their signings. Michael Laudrup has an almost fit squad for the match, and as I see it they are favourites for the win.


Arsenal - Tottenham Hotspur
Emirates Stadium
01-09-2013 @ 16.00 UK








Probable lineup:

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs; Ramsey, Wilshere; Walcott, Rosicky, Cazorla; Giroud.

Injuries: Arteta (Thigh), Diaby (Knee), Oxlade-Chamberlain (Knee), Podolski (Hamstring), Vermaelen (Back). Doubts: Miyachi (Rib), Ramsey (Groin), Wilshere (Ankle). Bans: None.

Tottenham Hotspur (4-3-3): Lloris; Walker, Dawson, Vertonghen, Rose; Capoue, Paulinho, Dembélé; Townsend, Soldado, Chadli.

Injuries: Bale (Foot). Doubts: Lennon (Foot). Bans: None.

It's the first North London Derby of the season, and Arsenal is going through an injury crisis after last nights Champions League match. Last week's double goalscorer Lukas Podolski is injured, along with players as Arteta and The Ox. Furthermore, the midfield duo Ramsey and Wilshere are rated doubtful, but are expected to be ready for the match. Tottenham, on the other hand, has an almost fit squad towards the match. Gareth Bale is injured, but he is also expected to have transferred to another club by Sunday. Arsenals midweek match against Fenerbache and the number of injuries might help Tottenham to a victory on Monday, and I expect them to win by a 1 goal margin.




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The fans of Danish Superliga club Brøndby IF have been missing action from their favorites team this season. Two of them decided to change that!

A terrible start of the season for Brøndby continued on Sunday when they played a draw against Randers. While the players couldn't find the goal, one of the fans managed to "score".

According to Press Manager of Brøndby IF, Mikkel Davidsen's twitter profile a young couple decided to make out on the middle of the pitch:

"Great game, but downcast over the 0-0 and many burned chances. However, the couple who after the game banged in the center circle helps on the mood :-)"

The tweet was followed up by this picture confirming the act of nature in the middle of the Brøndby Stadium.


The young loving couple was interrupted by the Security CEO at the stadium and send home. They can now look forward to a £1000 fine from the club.
 


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Liverpool have started the season with two wins, but on Sunday mighty Manchester United is waiting. Can the Merseyside club continue their winning streak or will Manchester United run them over? Liverpool against Manchester United is the match of the week.

Premier League Round 3
Anfield Road
01-09-2013 @ 13.30 UK

How is the two teams form?

Liverpool has now won both of their matches in the Premier League after leaving Aston Villa with a 0-1 loss. The Merseyside club has played well but have at times been struggling to score on their chances. Meanwhile, Manchester United won their first match against Swansea 4-1 and will meet Chelsea tonight.

The last ten matches between the two teams have ended with 6 victories for Manchester United.

What are the probable lineups?

Sebastián Coates and Martin Skrtel are out with injuries, while Luis Suarez is still banned from playing. Meanwhile, in Manchester United Darren Fletcher, Nani, Nick Powell, Rafael and Ashley Young are all out with injuries.

Mignolet

Johnson - Agger - Touré - Enrique

Henderson - Gerrard - Lucas 

Coutinho - Sturridge - Aspas
_________________________________

van Persie

Welbeck

Giggs - Carrick - Cleverley - Valencia

Evra - Ferdinand - Vidic - Jones

De Gea

What to expect from this match?

It is almost as there is a goal guarantee when these two sides meet; at least 1 goal has been scored in the last 10 matches. This one should be no exception, and we can expect both of the teams to play some great attacking football. Liverpool's pacey front line will without a doubt cause problems for United's two veteran central defenders Ferdinand and Vidic.

On the other side, Manchester United has one of the best strikers in the Premier League, and we know he can cause problems for all teams. Furthermore, Manchester United's midfield might not be the best in the history of the club, but Carrick and Cleverley have shown to work together just fine.

What are the odds?

A home victory gives back 13/8 at Stan Power, while William Hill holds the best odds for both a Manchester United victory (19/10) and a draw (12/5). 

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