En Kalmar-fan om Marcus:
Normally it’s relatively simple for me to get in touch with opposition fans for their opinion on players or more recently coaches. However this was more difficult, as Marcus Antonsson plays his football Sweden. After scouting social media and the web I eventually got in touch with Johan, a Kalmar fan who was very much willing to give his views on a player he says he will follow after his success in Sweden.
I have changed the article mid-flow here to add in what is a key point. This will 100% be a signing made by Garry Monk and more probably, Pep Clotet. The new Spanish number two was manager of Halmstad when Antonsson played there. This is the link between the player and the transfer deal. Clotet and Monk are very much the ones who seem to be making this call.
A quick update on this situation. 25 year-old Antonsson is set to join Leeds despite heavy interest from rival Championship clubs Aston Villa and Cardiff City. He has also been linked with Spanish club Sevilla in recent times. Villa had been favourite to sign the striker who has netted 10 goals in 12 games this season in Sweden. The fee will be around £1.25 million as is expected to be completed early next week. Antonsson should go through a medical at Leeds on Monday. The striker tweeted tonight saying he hadn’t signed anything yet but local (Sweden) media have suggested the deal is all but done.
I hadn’t ever heard of the striker but I now make it a priority to find someone who has watched the incoming player week in week out for their departing club and see what they have to say.
Johan
1. – What style of player is Antonsson and what’s his best position?
Johan – “His best position is striker. Very good pace and works very hard. Can finish with both left and right foot well.â€
2. – Simply, do you think he is worth £1.25 million (pounds)?
Johan – “Yes, I reckon he isâ€
3. – Is he the sort of player that will make it in the English league?
Johan – “Yes I think so. Great attitude, always works very hard and hates to lose. These are good attributes for a player who is going to play in England.â€
4. – If you could compare him to a player in England based on style, who would you pick?
Johan – “Very tricky question but I would have to say Jamie Vardy.â€
Now, before I continue with the questions I will speak about the answer to question 4. When I saw pictures of Antonsson I assumed (wrongly) that he was a target man. However, as I continued the chat with Johan it became very apparent he isn’t that type of player at all. I will add Johan’s other comments on his style at the end, it took me by surprise.
5. – What does Antonsson need to improve on to make it in England?
Johan – “He needs to be more involved in the whole game. Sometimes he “disappears†in games.â€
6. – He seems to be a big favourite with the fans at Kalmar FF, why is this?
Johan – “They love him because of his attitude and of course they love that he scores the goals at the club.â€
7. What sort of goals is Antonsson known for scoring?
Johan – “He’s very good at finding space behind the opponents back-line. He scores a lot of goals by running in behind. He’s very quick.â€
8. – If he does join Leeds, are you disappointed to see him leave?
Johan – “No, I’m very happy for him, he deserves the chance.â€
As the conversation continued Johan added a few more points.
“Kalmar normally play a 4-4-2 and he is best playing alongside a target-man. (I had mentioned Chris Wood and the 4-5-1 by this time) He likes to link up play and in a 4-3-3 he would actually play in the wide positions rather than the lone striker.†Johan was very keen at pointing out the pace that Antonsson possesses, something that we are lacking in.
Johan added, (when asked if he honestly thought he would make it in the Championship) “Yes I honestly do. Like I said, he has all the attributes to make it in England even though it’s a tough league. It’s going to be interesting to follow his career over the next few years.â€
I can’t thank Johan enough. His English was fantastic and he was very friendly. Hopefully this gives us some more insight into potentially our first signing of the summer.
Johan also sent me this link to Antonsson goals…
http://www.barometern.se/sport/tv-se-alla-antonssons-mal-i-ar/http://weareleedsunited.co.uk/marcus-antonsson-kalmar-ff-fan-view/
