Magnus Wolff Eikrem

Age & date of birth: 23 - 08/08/90

Place of birth: Molde, Norway

Club: Heerenveen

Position: Midfielder

A-Club Games: 11

Norwegian Youth International Games: 17

Norwegian International A-team Games: 13

Why he's special: Made his A-team debut for Manchester United in 2007 at the age of 17, back-to-back Norwegian league champion with Molde in 2011, 2012, and bronze medalist in the under-21 European Championship in 2013. 

Strengths: Magnus was signed by Manchester United at the age of 16 where he played for five years until he opted to go the same route as Mats did, going back to his hometown to play for Molde under the guidance of Solskjaer, which Magnus stated was the major reason for his choice to move alongside the opportunity to play regular first-team football. Magnus has since his initial Man Utd days been known for his creative & passing abilities which he often combines with reading defenses, opening them up and setting up his team-mates for goal opportunities. His endurance is also often mentioned when coaches talk about Magnus, as well as his winning mentality and a deadly free-kick. 

Weaknesses: Junior & reserve coaches for Manchester United often said the same thing when they were asked how far Magnus was from taking the next step up to the A-team - The only thing Magnus lack in order to play on one of the best teams of the world, is his physicality and in particular, his strength. Magnus has struggled with diabetes since the age of 16, the same year he signed up for Manchester United. He was quoted on saying that he was ready to give up football, but instead he got a visit from Sir Alex Ferguson in the hospital who encouraged him to continue to play and convinced Magnus that it was possible to be a professional football player despite having the disease - it was all up to himself. This inspired Magnus to continue to play. However, with the disease hanging over him he has struggled with gaining weight & strength which have continued to be his achilles' heel. 

Where can he end up?: Magnus made the step-up from the Norwegian League this year, moving to the Dutch Eredivisie club Heerenveen where he has continued to impress legendary coach in charge, Marco van Basten. While being more & more a regular on the Norwegian international A-team as well, I feel it is only a matter of time before we will see Magnus back in England again, where his talent is already well known among club scouts & coaches. 



Quote about next talent post: "He is clearly one of the best, if not the best, central defender in the Norwegian league at the moment."