ITA:SWE [R] Possible United target

[bigtoga]

I only post this to see who watched and discuss...

What did you guys think of Wilhelmsson (#21)? I thought he was fantastic - MOTM for Sweden until Ibrahoamdjgbvuebiucnceiyecbbnmioefpiefioeich scored that silly (amazing) goal.

Now, here's a little fact I didn't know (I'd never heard of him): he plays for Anderlecht!

Anyone have any more info? He truly was fun to watch and caused all sorts of problems. He single-handledly (a) prevented Italy from attacking on the right side for much of the game, and (b) was very dangerous with runs and crosses. He seemed to be an "average" midfielder in the respect of pitch-positioning; he didn't go too far up but wasn't a DM (just right in the middle-right).

I'd love to hear from someone who knows more about him...

[BillyManutd]

This is what I found about Wilhelmsson (from uefa.com)

Christian Wilhelmsson
A dynamic right-sided or left-sided player, Christian Wilhelmsson has developed into a Fredrik Ljungberg-style midfielder. Composed in possession, he is particularly effective when running with the ball, and likes to press forward to join the attack.

National team
Wilhelmsson made his debut for Sweden in January 2001 but only established himself as a force on the international stage in the run up to UEFA EURO 2004™. Having not featured at all in qualifying, inspirational displays against England and Portugal won him rave reviews in his homeland and a berth in Sweden's 23 for the final tournament.

Club
Born in December 1979, Wilhelmsson started his career with Mjällby AIF in 1997, and went on to score eleven goals in 52 games for the second division side over the next three seasons.

2000: Moved to Norway, signing for Stabæk IF, where he continued his impressive goalscoring contribution, finding the net 25 times in 84 games over the next three-and-a-half seasons, helping the club finish fourth in 2001 and claim a place in Europe. Wilhelmsson's performances and a goal against RSC Anderlecht in the UEFA Cup caught the eye of coach Hugo Broos, who tempted the winger to Belgium in summer 2003 on a four-year contract.

2003/04: Played a part as Anderlecht overcame AFC Rapid Bucuresti and Wisla Kraków to reach the group stage of the UEFA Champions League, where he made five appearances. Wilhelmsson grew in stature domestically as the season progressed and was an integral figure as Anderlecht won the Belgian championship with ease ahead of Club Brugge KV.

Did you know?
Wilhelmsson's fellow countryman Pär Zetterberg acted as his guide when he moved to Belgium.


©uefa.com 1998-2004. All rights reserved.

[jegerpenge]

Sweden is my team for the tournament. (I was for them in 2002 as well, maybe they're my team.) Anyway, I was very impressed with Wilhelmsson as well. This, from soccernet, is probably the most accurate description of him:

Able to operate on either flank, the all-action midfielder who has proved a big hit at Anderlecht this season following a summer move from Norwegian club Stabaek. Never far from the action, he works and covers as though he life depended on it and loves to push forward.

I really hope you guys don't get him just because as much fun as he is to watch, I would be forced to hate him, and that would be sad.