Stefan Johansen

I agree about Ambrose, but there was many who always played the "scapegoat" card whenever he was criticised, I just done that to highlight that it is used far too often in my opinion.

Some people probably will have been dying to have a go, fans sometimes have someone they are harder on than anyone else. I am guilty of this with James Forrest.

 

Just watched Norway-Estonia (0-1). Norway was weak today, but was still the better team, but just couldn't convert any opportunities.

Not a great day for Johansen, missed several passes and was just not the presence he has been for Celtic lately. I think he looked a bit tired, but then the whole team was lackluster today so it might just have been that.

Martin Ødegaard played for half an hour by the way and was Norway's best player by far. Great passing, great technique, extremely intelligent play, you just have to pinch yourself when you know that he's only 15.

 

He will be * - travel to Romania Wednesday...game Thursday......fly back Friday.....Saturday travel up to Aberdeen....Sunday - game......back to Glasgow....pack.....fly Monday.....train with team.....game Tuesday.

Canna expect guys to be at their peak in those kind of conditions. Although, they also get paid a shitload so can just * get on with it.:smiley-laughing002:

However, it's instances like that which worry Club managers - guys who should be resting, playing 2 Internationals and picking up an injury which then rules them out for weeks at a crucial stage of the season.

 

Stefan's own review of his performance against Estonia: (my translation from Norwegian)

"For my part, today was sluggish, without energy and initiative. I felt ok before the match, but once on the pitch I had tired legs and a tired head. It's disappointing, but I just have to forget this as soon as possible and be ready for Sunday."

http://www.nrk.no/sport/fotball/johansen-slakter-egen-innsats-1.12040865

Definitely in need of a rest then, the Norwegian manager said they'll take it easy before Sunday's match since a lot of the players had a heavy schedule, so hopefully Johansen will recover both for Sunday's match and for Celtic the weekend after that,.

 

Sometimes he seems to have superb vision and plays the odd spectacular pass then other games he just puts in too much unforced errors and passes straight to opposition. Inconsistent basically. Took his goal well against Aberdeen.

 

Why not if he gets along with older players on the pitch. Today, young people mature earlier and the elderly live longer. Norway is a smaller country footballwise. If we compare it with Spain for instance it could be impossible to see a kid of even this very high level alongside with Iniesta and other internatinalists but who knows ...

His skills seem to be stupefying:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEgMfbegLTg

He looks a lot older and his body structure is quite strong and well-proportioned. Haven't there been very young kids in the Olympics? Still, I think he might be an exception to the rule and by far most junior players don't go his way which is right.

 

Just assisted Norway's goal against Azerbaijan. 0-1 to Norway at HT.

 

He's had a pretty good 1st half. Goal came from a perfectly executed corner kick by Johansen

 

What a great run of form he's in.I really hope this is going to be on a permanent basis from now on!

 

Norway was pretty weak again against Azerbaijan but Stefan Johansen was much better this time. Had some good passes and good corners too. Just seemed much fitter and energetic than on Wednesday. Not MOTM, but I would say second best after Mats Møller Dæhli.

 

I'd like him here. Don't get me wrong I haven't seen an awful lot of him but he's very highly rated and maybe just needs to kick start his career.

 

Compared to Stokes I think he has better technique and passing, but is weaker physically. A good rotation option for Celtic right now in my opinion and potentially a world class player in a few years. Would be a great buy for 2 million. He's only 19!

 

Took his goal well and does alot of the unseen dirty work Lennon and Lambert were renowned for. I think he's growing as a player with alot still to learn.

 

Scored 3 of our 7 goals in the Europa League group stage. Excellent return.

 

His finish was outstanding the way the defender actually got a slight nick first but Johansen was still composed and controlled enough to guide it in to the corner..

Watch it again to see what i mean, quality it was..

Another good game tonight, another that was right in there faces and kopped a harsh as * booking for it..

 

love him in our no 10 role not a playmaker but a workhorse