Why Bluebird’s New Addition Could Light Up The PL

Given his Manchester United connections, it is little surprise that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first signing as Cardiff City manager is a product of the Red Devils’ youth academy. Indeed, the Norwegian manager has worked with Magnus Wolff Eikrem twice previously; once as a coach at Old Trafford and once as his manager during Solskjaer’s successful spell at Molde.

Eikrem joined Solskjaer for a third time at Cardiff after a spell at Heerenveen, where he spent just over six months having signed in the summer. During this time, Solskjaer’s compatriot made 15 Eredivisie appearances and the 23-year-old impressed enough to persuade his former manager to arrange a Premier League reunion.

Primarily a creative player, Eikrem has generated 15 chances this season, a total which only Peter Whittingham betters in the Cardiff squad. The addition of the Norwegian, then, means an extra attacking outlet is imported into a team which has looked blank around the opposition’s penalty area at times this season, and has scored just 15 goals, the second lowest total in the Premier League. Eikrem should help to reduce the deficit between goals scored and goal conceded and as such could be a valuable member of the Bluebirds in their battle against relegation.

It is not just Eikrem’s passing ability which harms the opposition; his dribbling ability is arguably as dangerous and the Norwegian has been successful in 71% of his take-on attempts so far this season at Heerenveen. The 23-year-old has the ability to turn a game on its head through his tendency to run at opposing defenders and, if Eikrem enjoys the same success in beating a man as he has in the Eredivisie, he could be a potent man for defenders to cope with.

Finally, Eikrem’s Performance Score of 308 is the third highest in a Heerenveen side performing well and currently residing in fifth place in the Eredivisie. This shows that the Norwegian’s performances have been of a high standard in a competitive league, and as such suggests that he will be a good signing for new Cardiff boss Solskjaer.

If Eikrem can form a partnership with the likes of Peter Odemwingie and Frazier Campbell which is half as efficient as his link-up play with the lethal Alfred Finnbogason he will be an extremely effective player for Cardiff. Considering Solskjaer’s prior knowledge of the player, coupled with the experience he has gained in Holland and at Manchester United, it seems unlikely that Eikrem will struggle to re-adapt to life in England and as such should be an exciting signing.

Decent read that

Decent read that

Decent indeed

Agreed, decent read, but I think we might be putting the lad up on a bit of a pedestal.

I hope he hits the ground running, of course, but I think he'll have to be a strong character to put up with our fans should his performances go a bit wonky.

Just in case anybody was wondering where the report came from:-

http://www.squawka.com/news/2014/01/09/ ... 4010952141?

Decent read that

Yes, loads of good reports lately, all very positive, let's link him back up with Finnbogason, they are a team

yeah, but so far it seemes OGS doesn't splash around cash. Finnbogason would be pricey.

The key appears to be transition from defence to attack. Ole Gunnar wants it to be quicker and more precise. How will that impact on Medel's Rome in the team?

The key appears to be transition from defence to attack. Ole Gunnar wants it to be quicker and more precise. How will that impact on Medel's Rome in the team?

Medel will still be 1 of the first names on the team sheet. He has excellent range of passing and more movement in front of him will only help him