Scouting is one of the most complex jobs in football. A perfect mixture of experience, identification skills, instincts and luck.
Our scout, Juan Gafas, has a sensitive eye for football talents, and every Tuesday he is spoiling us with another prospect. This week, Juan is focusing on a player from the emerging and exciting generation of Norwegian footballers.
Tobias Svendsen
Age: 20
Club: HamKam (Norway, 2nd tier)
Position: Winger, Forward, Attacking Midfielder.
Nationality: Norwegian
Market Value: 200.000 € (Transfermarkt)
Why follow him? Svendsen hit the ground running this season, scoring five goals in three weeks in the Norwegian 2nd tier first rounds.
Tobias is not precisely the young, low-profile talent I usually report here. He was a regular member of the Norwegian youth national teams and a promising prospect for local giants Molde, getting into the matchday squad before turning 16, making his debut at 17. But he just could not breakthrough, failed to impress when out on loans and finally hitting rock bottom leaving Molde a couple of months ago.
He has four successful dribbles per 90 minutes so far this season, and usually ones that help his team progress up the field. He is not big or especially pacy for a wide player, but he is quick of the mark and uses his body well to defend the ball. These qualities, along with his sound technical skills, serve him well when playing in the middle and between the opponent's lines too.
His 'end product' failed him until recently; while he still needs to create more in the final third, he became clinical in front of goal. Just give him half a chance, usually when cutting in from left to his favourite right, and he will punish you.
Getting away from Molde, this time on a permanent deal appears to do him well so far. If he will continue to play at the same level he shows since the season started, improving and working hard, he will quickly get back to the Eliteserien and maybe, someday, to Molde.
Photo via HamKam official website.
