Keep an eye on: Marco Larsen

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  • Name: Marco Larsen
  • Age: 21 (15-05-1993)
  • Position: Attacking midfield/striker
  • Club: FC Midtjylland
  • International Caps:
    • Denmark U21
      • 4 matches
      • 0 goals
    • Denmark U19
      • 9 matches
      • 0 goals
    • Denmark U18
      • 4 matches
      • 1 goal
    • Denmark U17
      • 9 matches
      • 2 goals
    • Denmark U16
      • 7 matches
      • 2 goals
  • Value: £440.000
He left family and friends behind and moved across the country to follow his dream of becoming a professional football player. This week we keep an eye on FC Midtjyllands attacking talent Marco Larsen.

"Moving to FC Midtjylland, was a natural next step in my career. It wasn't a hard decision because I knew that it i needed to do it if I wanted to become a professional football player," says Marco Larsen with a strong voice. There are no regrets in his voice.

At the age of 13, while still playing in the Danish 1. Division club Køge, he was signed by the Superliga club FC Midtjylland. There was only one problem; Midtjylland were not allowed to sign players under the age of 15, and the media were quick to make a story out of the controversial signing. The main man in the whole story hardly remembers what the whole controversy was about.

“I don’t think there was anything in it, then what the media made of it. The papers blew it out of proportion, and all that happened was that I got a new and legal contract," Larsen says.

By the age of 15, Marco moved from Zealand to Jutland and joined the FC Midtjylland Academy, along with other talents from across the country. And the talent didn't take long to prove he was worth his contract. In fact, he did so well that Manchester City started following him, and it resulted in a trial at Carrington Training Ground.

“Of course I hoped to make an impression that would make them want me at the club, but it was also just a great experience for a young player.

“The technical and physical level is much higher in Manchester City, but the players we trained with were also brought in for the occasion. We then had one training session with their team, and it was clear that they had better physics and were faster when it comes to reading the game," he says.

Unfortunately for Larsen it only came to one visit in Manchester City and the career continued in Midtjylland where he kept impressing. At U19-level he was the top scorer and was promoted to the senior squad where he had his debut in the Danish Cup against Jægersborg from the fourth tier. 

“When I heard that I was to play that match I was full of joy. It was another step towards becoming a professional and as I remember I scored, so that just made it even better. Especially because my family was there to witness it. I will always remember that experience."

Since then, Marco Larsen have proved himself to be one of the next great talents of the FC Midtjylland Academy. After making his debut in the Danish Superliga in 2012, he has been a regular part of the senior squad playing 19 matches from start last season. 

However, a thigh injury set him back in the start of the season and with FCM leading the Danish Superliga it has proven hard for the talent to make his way to the starting line-up. There is simply too hard competition for the position as attacking midfielder. 

“It’s obvious that it is harder for me to get in the starting line-up when the team plays as well as it does. I have always said that when a team plays well, it is hard to make any changes, and we have won a lot of matches, so it has been hard to get time on the pitch,” the talent acknowledge.

“The team is the most important and I always congratulate my teammate when he does well, even if it means he will be playing instead of me. Obviously I want to play, but in the end I have to be able to look in the mirror and like what I see. If a player in my position is better than me, then there isn’t much I can do about it, other than just keep on training and wait for my chance,” Larsen says.

The next chance for Marco Larsen might come tomorrow when FC Midtjylland faces the rivals from Aalborg BK at home in Herning. However, should he not get his chance in Midtjylland he has no problem leaving the club.

“All football players needs to play, and if I can’t play in Midtjylland I have to move on, but it is not something I think about at the moment. I’m still young and have the time in front of me," says Larsen before ending the interview telling about his dream club, Liverpool: 

“Steven Gerrard is an amazing football player, and Liverpool is a great team. My entire family are Liverpool fans, so they are my favorite club.

“I would love to play in Liverpool, but anywhere abroad will do. It is something I hope to achieve someday.”

Who knows? Gerrard is moving towards the end of his career, and Daniel Agger has left the club. Maybe it is time for Liverpool to bring in a new Dane?






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Does money guarantee trophies? Part 2

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For some time, there has been talks about a salary cap in the English Premier League. Something, most of the clubs are arguing against. For the next couple of weeks,  Great Dane Football Blog will put the focus on the wages in the Premier League and find out if they have any impact on the club's chances of winning trophies.

This week we take a look on the best paid players from each of the 5 richest Premier League clubs; Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool.

The salary data is taken from matchincome.com and when needed from a broad range of media online.

Let's first of all take a look on last week's chart, which has been updated with last season's wage spending among the five clubs.

As the chart shows Arsenal and Manchester City are the only two teams to increase the amount of money spent on wages. Meanwhile, Liverpool has managed to save £64.8m since the 2010/11 season.

The salary data for the next chart is updated for this season, why we can expect an even larger amount of money spent on wages in Arsenal next season. The best paid player in all of the five clubs in England international Jack Wilshere from Arsenal. the midfielder signed a new contract last year which has made him the best paid. Wayne Rooney is the best paid player in Manchester United with an annually income of around 662,000£. In Chelsea and Liverpool it is the veterans Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard that is cashing the big check each year. Meanwhile, in Manchester City, Edin Džeko is the best paid with an annual income of around £550,000.
The surprising with this chart is that most football fans sees Manchester City as one of the clubs spending most money. Despite this, the best paid player is actually the less best paid player comparing with the five other clubs.

What do you think about this? Does it change your view on Manchester City?
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Keep an eye on: Daniel Høegh

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(Photo: Morten Wamsler)
              Name: Daniel Høegh
               Age: 21 (06-01-1991)
          Position: Center Back
              Club: Odense BK (OB)
International Caps: Denmark U21: 6 match(es)
                                 0 goal(s)
                    Denmark U20: 4 match(es)
                                 0 goal(s)
                    Denmark U19: 9 match(es)
                                 0 goal(s)
                    Denmark U18: 4 match(es)
                                 0 goal(s)
             Value: £450.000 (transfermarkt.co.uk)

He's 21, vice captain and has played more than fifty matches for the first team of Odense BK. However, Daniel Høegh has not had the easiest way to the top.

In 2004, Høegh joined Odense Bk and started his way up through the youth department. During his time at the clubs U16 team he won the Danish U16 Championship and was less or more a regular part of the team. However, Daniel Høegh is not the typical talent:
'I have never considered myself as the greatest talent; in my youth years, I played on the same team as Christian Eriksen [Ajax Amsterdam] and by the age of fifteen, his future career was already clear. I was not always a part of the first team and had matches for the reserves as well, so it has not always been a bed of roses for me'.

However, the defender continued to work hard and found himself in the squad for a Superliga match against SønderjyskE in 2008. The talent did not get his debut at this time but had a taste of life as a proffesional.

After another selection for the squad - again against SønderjyskE - in 2009, Høegh started playing with the reserves despite his young age. Here, he convinced the coaches that he was ready to take the next step and got his debut in Superligaen against Fc Midtjylland in 2010. the debut was followed up by a contract lasting for 2 years.
'Throug out my youth years I have been hungry for a professional career, which I now have achieved. It is a dream coming true, and I am living it now'.

Daniel Høegh was quick to grab his chance at the Superliga team and has become a profile for the club. Coach Troels Bech has some promising words about his defender:
'He is an attentive player who is fast to learn some experience. He has a good speed and technique as well as a great passing play, and he is strong in the air'.

Despite his young age, Høegh has gathered some routine and is vice captain for Odense. The talent is hoping to become the captain one day as it will be 'a great honour'. The defender might have a chance of this, Bech says:
'It happens more often that he takes responsibility and the command. It is a good sign especially as he is a young stopper and has a position on the pitch where he can communicate'.

Daniel Høegh might have learned the leader role from watching his idol Daniel Agger. The young defender finds some 'equal signs' in his own and Aggers way to professional football. Furthermore, Liverpool is the favorite team of the Odense comet.

The international career has so far given Høegh twenty three matches. He was also given match time in the two meetings against Spain last week. Here, Denmark was sent out of the U21 Euro qualification with an 8-1 loss over two matches. Despite the two lost matches, Høegh finds the positive in the meetings with Spain:
'It was a great experience to get because it was against players who plays on a higher level than us. I believe that I showed some skills and that we were a part of the game'.

Daniel Høegh dreams of one day to have his debut on the Danish senior team:
'I put a great honor in representing Denmark and has always done it when I have dressed the Danish youth-shirt. It will be an honor to play in the Danish senior shirt'.

First step towards becoming a national player, is to become a profile in the Danish Superliga, both Høegh and Bech says. The next opportunity for this is on Sunday when Odense meets Fc Midtjylland in Herning.

   




 
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The Thursday Transfer Rumours

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A few transfer rumours has been spread this week! Great Dane Football Blog gives you an update!

Fulham is considering the free agent Nigel Reo-Coker (Daily Mail) - Probability: High

Liverpool has offered Agger £15m to stay in the club (Daily Star) - Probability: High

Chelsea is planning to bid £45m for Atletico Madrids Falcao (The Sun) - Probability: Low

Arsenal, Liverpool and both Manchester clubs, are keeping an eye on unhappy Igor Denisov (The Mirror) - probability: High

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Liverpool's Jamaican salvation

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He is seventeen years old, had his debut for Liverpool last month and can play his first match for England tomorrow. Raheem Sterling is on everybody’s lips these days.

Born in Kingston – raised in London and the hope of Liverpool. Raheed Sterling is the  player Liverpool’s fans has been longing to see in the red shirt. The winger has the ability to make something out of nothing, and his skills have been noticed in England.

Even though, the Jamaican national team has reached out for the, perhaps, future star in Premier League he is now ready to represent England, the nation he has performed for on youth level. Twenty three matches and four goals are the statistic of his English national youth career, before taking the step into the senior’s world.

All this is great news about young Sterling, but – and there is always a but – Sterling’s reputation outside the pitch is tarnished. Rumors spread on the internet says that Raheem Sterling is the father of two children of which mothers he doesn’t date. If this is true, Sterling might not be a candidate for the Dad of the Year award in the UK. However, John Terry managed to win the price even though he spent more time in bed with his teammate’s wife’s than his own children.
 
A Fox produces documentary also shows the shooting star being dressed down by Brendan Rodgers, as the manager pointed Sterling out for other younger players as an example of how not be. 

No matter what, the English-Jamaican winger has the potential to become a star in the Premier League. The rumor mill is already spinning around Sterling sending him to Arsenal in a trade for the Ox, as well as to Tottenham in a million deal. The fans of Liverpool might lose their new favorite before he has played a full season.  However, Brendan Rodgers is fighting to keep the winger at Anfield Road.
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The Thursday Transfer Rumours

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Two days to the start of the Premier League, and the rumours are going wild! Great Dane Football Blog is given you an update on this week of the Silly Season.

 AC Milan is ready to swap Philipp Mexes for Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner, according to Italian press (The Mirror) - Probability: Low

Fulham is ready to make a £3m bid for Boltons David Ngog (The Mirror) - Probability: Medium

Tottenham is chasing Arsenal target Yann M'Vila (Daily Mail) - Probability: Medium

QPR is reported ready to make a £7.5m bid for French defender Kurt Zouma from St. Etienne (The Sun) - Probability: High

Brendan Rogers is ready to use Charlie Adam as bait in order to bring Clint Dempsey to Liverpool (Daily Mail) - Probability: High

Liverpool is also targeting Swansea's Ashley Williams in case Agger should move to Manchester City (The Mirror) Probability: Medium

Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal is keeping an eye on Xabi Alonso as he looks to reject a contract extension with Real Madrid (Daily Mail) - Probability: High

Everton is considereing to snap Clint Dempsey on front of Liverpool (Daily Mail) - Probability: Low

West Ham is ready to break the budget in a bid for Andy Carroll (Daily Mirror) - Probability: Medium

Unhappy Gael Kahuta might be swapped for Cesar Azpilicueta in a part exchange deal between Chelsea and Marseille (The Mirror) - Probability: High

Blackburn wants Arsenal's Maroune Chamakh on a six month loan (Lancashire Telegraph) - Probability: High

Scott Sinclair, Jack Butland and Nathan Redmond are all targets for Manchester City (Daily Mail) - Probability: Medium

United's Javier Hernandex could move to Arsenal to replace van Persie (The Mirror) Probability: Low

Luka Modric is expected to complete a £35m move to Real Madrid (The Mirror) - Probability: High

Everton is ready to make a move for Liverpool's midfielder Charlie Adams and Olympiakos striker Kevin Mirallas (The Mirror) - Probability: Medium

Louis Saha is set to move to Sunderland (The Mirror) - Probability: High

QPR, Aston Villa and Sunderland is battling for Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe (Metro) - Probability: High

Giovanni Dos Santos might leave Tottenham in a swap deal for Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar (Various media) - Probability: High


 





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The Football list: Five EURO 2012 targets for Premier League clubs

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The EURO 2012 is full of potential players for the English Premier League. Great Dane Football Blog, list the five players I find most likely to play in England next season.

1.    Luuk de Jong
      Target for: Liverpool and Newcastle

The Twente striker ended as number two on the Dutch topscorer list, with 25 goals, and was a vital part of the club's season. Newcastle has already lined up De Jong, if Demba Ba should leave the club, but he is also on the short list in Liverpool. However, the Dutch himself is keener on playing for Bayern Munich in Germany.

De Jong will be a pleasant signing for Liverpool, who has been missing a striker since Torres left for Chelsea. He will fit perfect in the Liverpool offensive together with Andy Carroll. Newcastle has in Cisse and Ba two quality strikers, and one of them needs to leave in order to make room for de Jong.

2.    João Moutinho
     Target for: Chelsea

Moutinho has been on the Chelsea short list since Mourinho was managing the team. This summer might be the time for the transfer as he already has admitted that he is ready to leave Porto. 

Chelsea has a history of bringing Portuguese players to the club, and Moutinho will fit into a midfield that needs new and younger players. A transfer could be just around the corner, but some great performances at the EURO can bring the prize at a level that Chelsea will not pay. However, as the player has already announced that he is ready to leave Porto, the club may have to accept any offer.

3.    Javi Martinez 
      Target for: Manchester United and Manchester City

Javi Martinez is on several European top clubs short list, including both Manchester clubs. The Athletic Bilbao midfielder has announced that he is ready to leave the Spanish club, but the question is who will win the transfer race.

Real Madrid is reported to have started negotiations with the player, but this has not been verified. A transfer to Manchester City might not be the right option for the young player, as he will be just another name in the squad. However, in Manchester United the player might have a chance of playing some first team football, as he can turn out to be the future on the midfield for the Red Devils.

4.    Tomáš Pekhart

      Target for: Sunderland

The Czech has a past in Tottenham, where he never made his breakthrough. However, Pekhart might be playing in the Premier League next season. The Nuremberg striker has been short listed by Sunderland since last summer, and a well played EURO might be the tipping point for a transfer to the North English club.

Pekhart might be the giant hitman that the Black Cats need up front after Nicklas Bendtner has left the club and will fit in the ambitious team.

5.    Mario Götze 
      Target for: Arsenal

Earlier this year Mario Götze signed a new contract with Dortmund, to great disappointment for Arsenal. Even so, the German could transfer to the London club this summer. Götze is a profile in Dortmund and will not be cheap to buy, and it is not going to be any easier if he plays a great EURO.

Right now, Rennais’ Yann M’vila is the hottest player for Arsenal, but should a transfer go wrong Mesut Özil will be next on the short list. Arsenal needs a midfielder that can be creative and at the same time has some defensive abilities. Özil can be the one.



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The football list: The five least influential Danish players in the Premier League

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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: Andreas Bruhn Christensen - 5 shot shootout

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Follow up: Andreas Bruhn Christensen - 5 shoot shootout

In relation to last weeks talent profile, Andreas Bruhn Christensen answers 5 questions from the twelve yard spot.

Who is your biggest idol?

I have two, and they are Xavi (Barcelona) and Frank Lampard (Chelsea). Xavi has a view of the game and is an intelligent football player who often chooses the right solutions, while Frank Lampard is a scoring midfielder. He scores goals almost when he wants. I would not complain if I could incorporate some of that into my play. 

What is your greatest experience as a football player?The trial in Liverpool and my debut for the Danish national team were some great experiences. It is a dream to represent your country. It was a lovely match, and I played well; all together it was a great experience.
 
Who is the hardest opponent you have ever played against?We met Spain in Copa del Atlantico. They had three midfielders, which were amazing to play against.

Where is Andreas Bruhn in 10 years?I should be in Germany, Holland or England by then. That is what I hope for.
 
Which team would you most like to play for?
If I was to play in Germany would I like to play for Bayern Munich or Borrusia Dortmund. However, playing for Real Madrid in Spain, would be the top of everything.
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Keep an eye on: Andreas Bruhn Christensen

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Keep an eye on: Andreas Bruhn Christensen

aabaf1885.dk
               Age: 18 (17-02-1994)
          Position: Center Midfield
              Club: AaB (Aalborg BK),
                    Danish Superliga
             Debut: Still to come
International caps: Denmark U18: 3 Match(es)
                                 0 Goal(s)
             Value: Unknown



Andreas Bruhn, who started his career in the Danish minor club Støvring IF, joined Aalborg BKs youth department in 2008 season. The player joined the club after he had been invited to play for AaB in a cup in Germany in 2007. Here, Bruhn, scored not less than four goals in seven matches.

The talented midfielder here gives a view on his strengths and weaknesses:
“I have a great running capability and I good at taking the deep runs [into the opponents defends]. Besides that, I am a good all-a-rounder and can do a little of everything. One of my weaknesses is that I am not physically big enough as I am quite slender. Another thing is that sometimes, I am a bit slow mentally, when I am on the ball”.

Jacob Friis, Coach of the AaB U19 squad, also shared his view on the player:
“He has a high technical level and quality to drift the ball forward. He is a great, smart player with an intelligent mind for the game. A creative type, that is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of him”.

In his first year at Aalborg Boldspilklub, Andreas Bruhn Christensen was invited on a trial at Liverpool FC together with two other AaB-talents: Lucas Andersen and Viktor Ahlmann Nielsen.
“It was a great experience! I was only fourteen at the time and I never saw it coming, and it was quite overwhelming. We were met by Daniel Agger, and he told us about the club and said that we should just enjoy it”.

Bruhn Christensen had his debut on the Danish U18 national team in the 0-2 loss against Belgium, in 2011. He was also a part of the team playing in the Copa Del Atlantico in Spain where Denmark met the Spanish, and Russian U18 teams.

The international games have given the talented player a taste for more, and he has clear dreams of the future:
“I have a dream of playing in a foreign country; however my short-termed goal is to be a part of the Superliga squad.”

And Jacob Friis believes that the player can make it in another league:
“He as the mentality, which is a need for playing in England. I even believe that he could be a fan favourite with his technical level. But he needs to work with the physic to make it”.

Andreas Bruhn Christensen has 1½ year left of his contract in Aalborg BK, who has high believes to the player. 
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