Picture From Wikipedia Cropped And Resized For Young Guns
Former Norway Coach Nils Johan Semb, says Arsenal’s Håvard Nordtveit is the “Brightest Defensive Talent In Europe” speaking to Haugesund Avis he confirmed the 17 year old is in his opinion the best young defender in Europe.
So with the current defensive crisis as it is, i thought we should take a look at the Centre Back and inform you of how he is settling in, the Norwegian signed for Arsenal in the summer for a fee of around 20 million Norwegian kroner (approximately £1.5 million English pounds).
Footballing Background
Havard was born in the industrial town of Vats, in Norway on the 21st of June 1990, from a very young age he followed his brother in to football, starting out at hometown club Vats 94, his skills of reading and understanding the game became clear at a very early age, and as he progressed through the ranks he was snapped up by Skjold IL, but he did not spend long with the club, soon moving on to bigger and brighter things with FK Haugesund, as he grew up, his talents started to flourish, his classy style and natural leadership qualities soon meant he was pushed in to the Reserve setup where reports were being made and sent to the top clubs from around the world, soon he was promoted to the first team, and after 3 appearances, Manchester United came calling, and offered Nordtveit a trial in January 2007, he travelled to England and spent one week training with the Red Devils, Arsenal and Tottenham were both now admirers of Nordtveit, but he returned to Norway where he would go on to make a further nine appearance’s during the season.
Transfer Opportunity
By the time the summer of 2007 had come around, Havard was already a regular for Norway’s Youth teams, being named skipper of the Under 17s, and featuring for the Under 19’s, Manchester United then followed up their interested with a firm bid, which was rejected by Haugesund, but Arsenal then made their move, having watched various tapes and seen reports on Nordtveit, Ken Friar (the man with the cheque book), Steve Rowley (the man with an eye for talent) and Arsene Wenger (the man who will manage him) travelled to Norway to try and tie up a deal.
Deal Done With Arsenal
After watching him play in a friendly talks continued between the two clubs after the full time whistle blew, with the first bid being rejected, but finally a deal was reached, for an initial £1.5 million which could rise to £2.5 million subject to appearance’s in the first team.
An excellent bit of business for Arsene Wenger and Arsenal, as well as putting one over his old rival Alex Ferguson.
He soon made his debut, after a few days training with his new team mates, he was named amongst the substitutes for the regular pre-season outing against Barnet, he came on in the second half for Kerrea Gilbert getting his first taste of English football, playing the final minutes of the half alongside Gavin Hoyte, the pair would go on to be regular stoppers for the Reserves this term.
Before the season even started, Wenger became an admirer, speaking to the club’s official website Arsenal.com the Frenchman said:
“What I liked in this boy is his intelligence and his mental strength, He is very mature. In fact I have rarely seen a boy of his age so mature.”
But the boss was also clear Havard was not ready for competitive action despite being given the squad number 35,
“Physically we need to get him up to the Premiership level, at the moment he is a bit behind. But technically and tactically he is already there. He is an intelligent boy with good vision. He has a good pass out from the back and he is strong too.
“I hope that he can develop well.”
So with already applause from the boss, all he had to do was get his boots on and show what he was all about, first of all he travelled with the Reserves to Malaysia, where he took part in the Champions Youth Cup, it was a difficult tournament for the youngsters with the heavy work load of managing training, and playing every 2 two days, took its toll, among with the intense heat, in the end the Gunners were knocked out in the group stages.
Nordtveit was then named skipper by Neil Banfield during the first three Reserve League fixtures, he scored his first goal in the 2-2 draw with Birmingham a tap in after a scramble on a corner kick, showing he can make an impact in both boxes,
But an injury ended his excellent start to the season, his classy style brought many admirers from fans, with an obvious disappointment at his injury, but with the season in Norway overlapping with the English season, he failed to get a proper rest, but he took three months off, and returned against Fulham on January 2nd as a substitute, and completing the full 90 minutes against Birmingham City a week later.
Havard also admitted he enjoyed the break, as it gave him chance to Analise and study all aspects of his game, as well as develop physically.
“On a bigger picture, three months is not that bad of a time to be out,” added Nordtveit. “I have been able to spend time in the gym and focus on other parts of my game.
“It hasn’t made settling in more difficult at all actually. The physiotherapists have taken great care of me. Neil, Steve, the fitness coaches, everybody. They have all been really nice to me, taken care of me, always chatted to me, told me to think positive.
“I went home for two weeks to relax so that is good. It was my first holiday in a long time. I had come straight from the domestic season in Norway to here, so perhaps it was time for my body to have a little rest!”
So after six months with Arsenal, does he live up to the tag as the best defensive talent in Europe? as yet I’m not fully convinced, after all we have not seen much of him, but the little we have seen certainly suggests he is one of the best around, his intelligence and style as well as his attitude mean he has everything he needs to make it here, read more about his skills below.
Havard’s Skills & Qualities
Tall, quick and blessed with a superb ability to read the play, predicting striker’s movements before the play progresses, he has proved an excellent asset since his arrival in the summer, his tackling ability needs some work, but as he grows up and develops in to a man, that will come along with his physical presence and overall strength.
Article By – J.Sanderson
I heard the reason we were able to get him is because other clubs like United/Inter/Juve weren’t willing to go to 7 figures. United’s bid was around 100000 pounds which the club laughed off as derisory. It seems that even though we don’t pay over the odds for a first team player, we are willing to outbid teams for younger talents.
He seems to be a level headed young lad and that can only help him learn his trade. Hope he makes a name for himself at Arsenal
yep, very positive news we are willing to invest more in our talents, not only does it show we want them more but also we benefit long term.
It would be very fun to have another Scandinavian in the first team squad. We have had a bit of them: Ljungberg, Larsson and now Bendtner. Without forgetting older heroes like my fellow Icelander, Siggi Jonsson.
Very few of the Reserves players are going to make it at Arsenal, those who I think will are (I have barely seen them play, I only judge by what I read):
Benik Afobe
Luke Freeman
Nordveit
Merida
Barazite
Vela
Did you forgot Giles Sunu, Vito Manone, Jay Simpson and Kieron Gibs?
How about them?
Pål Lydersen used to sit on the bench when George Graham was in charge :)
Yep, it’s the Arsenal way…everyone else just wants to buy names.
Thanks for this great site. It’s really proving to be handy in informing us about young players. Great work.
I would like you to dig into Giles Sunu. What kind of a player is he; is he really the next Samuel Eto’o? There have also been rumours here in Africa that Arsenal have set their eyes on signing the son of Ghanaian legend Ayew Pele, Dede. Should this be believed?
I personally do not think that Havard Nordtveit is any better then the likes of Evertons Jack Rodwell or Fulhams Matthew Briggs as a center half and to say that he is the best center half in Europe for his age group is streching it a bit to far IMO
Never seen him play, but he is really hyped in the Norwegian media. There have already been talks about a full international debut. But Havard seems to be calm about it. I hope he continues to work hard, and becomes the best he can be at Arsenal!
Trouble is that playing centre half is not a young man’s game. I would not expect to see a really good centre-half under the age of 25 anywhere. Patience requuired!
I’m a Norwegian Gooner and I have never heard of the “industrial town of Vats” where Nordtveit is supposed to originate from.
I cant wait to have this Norwegian kid in the team. With their usual working morals and commitment not to mention his stature we are having a gem of a lad. Grow faster kiddo, we love you and cant wait to see you every weekend. Kom igen grabben!!
Goonerbeall: Kom igen grabben is not norwegian, but swedish :P
Just To Clear Up Some Of Your Points.
1) I Researched Vats, and found out its a very small Oil rich town, thats where the Industrial bit came from.
2) Article On Gilles Sunu coming in about an hour.
Robbie. Do you really think Simpson will make it at Arsenal? I kinda have the feeling that Sunu is not as good as he was supposed to be but you never know. Gibbs will be sold I think but Mannone might make it. Fabianski, Mannone and Sceczny (spelling?) are going to fight for that future goalkeeping spot.
Have seen Håvard play 3 games in the U-19 euro qualifications. I can say that its not bad for a kid to play 2 years up on that level. In the last game they played Spain who had Diego Capel in their team. He did a good figure in all games. Quick, good reader of the game, good on the ball and can hit it long with perfection.
“It would be very fun to have another Scandinavian in the first team squad. We have had a bit of them: Ljungberg, Larsson and now Bendtner. Without forgetting older heroes like my fellow Icelander, Siggi Jonsson.
Very few of the Reserves players are going to make it at Arsenal, those who I think will are (I have barely seen them play, I only judge by what I read):
Benik Afobe
Luke Freeman
Nordveit
Merida
Barazite
Vela”
Ehm.. what about Kieran Gibbs, Henri Lansbury and probably the most important, Mark Randall(?) These players are the biggest prospects in the club dude! And they are all english :) If you saw the pre-season match against Lazio, you would see Gibbs make the big stars look like amateurs!
dont forget Olofar Ingi Skulasson, now at Helsingborgs IF
I don’t think nordtveit joined arsenal because we were willing to spend more money. He wanted to join us, and his club wanted to agree terms with us.
Sorry to interject here but just wanted to say thanks for your news items of late. They’re a refreshing read amongst the regurgitated sh*te.
Has everyone forgotten about Anders Limpar? the greatest Scandinavian to play for the club and John Jensen.
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They said Senderos would be the next Tony Adams, so far he has been the next Titus Bramble. Why should Nordveit be any different?
I’m glad you remember my fellow Icelander, Olafur Ingi Skulason. He is playing with Henke Larsson and he is the only Icelander who has played with Fabregas.
Andre. I think Randall will end up like Larson and Muamba. He is pretty good but remember he is only a year younger than Denilson. Look at what Denilson was doing last year (Tottenham anybody?) and Denilson is not making the team, at all really. I hope he will make it but with Fabregas in front of you, the chances are really slim.
Please look at my blog:
http://artier.wordpress.com/2008/02/19/hello-world/
The loan spell will proove to be make or break for Randall, but i like him, im excited by his potential.
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Do anybody know is still in Spain?
not anymore, arsenal was unhappy with the use of him in midfield and play time
Loned out to Norwegian Lillestrøm SK playing in top division (Tippeligaen). http://www.lsk.no/
Håvard is curently doing very well in Lillestrøm SK, even tough his team isn’t doing that well. He’s been among the best defenders in Tippeligaen.
What Petter says is true, Lillestrøm has not had the best season opening, they’re gameplan is kicking the ball up towards a lonely forward and Nordtveit has shown skills at this, he plays mostly at the right back, but has been playing center in the last few games.
To name another thing, he lost one of his front theets in a duel to Bernt Hulsker
Scored for Norway’s under 21 away to cyprus last night. In Norways 1-3 win.
Probably Arsenal’s biggest prospect outside our first team.
Anyone know how he is doing in Bundesliga so far?
I’ve tried to read up on him but I don’t understand german…
Not bad… he is second youngest player in the first squad and played allready 3-4 games… I live in Nürnberg, I’ve seen him on the pitch and it wasn’t bad…
what’s his height
I think he’s about 1,9 meters…
Jonas Semb only made that quote bcuz his teams were famous for their long-balls from defence and one of Nordtveit’s attributes is driven diagonal long-passes not necessary his reading of the game [positioning].
@ saam, he is 188cm tall= 6ft 2in
I have seen Nordtveit in approx 15 matches for Lillestrøm this season, and I am impressed. If he continues to grow in the Bundesliga, you will have at top international defender in a season or two. His physique is good. His tecnical abilities with the ball is also top-notch for a defender. His positioning, reading of the game is can be improved, but is in no way bad. In Lillestrøm Nordtveit played right fullback, and center back. In Nürnberg he has played as centre back, and defensive midfielder, and was man of the match a few games ago in this position. This shows he has the ability to play in many roles.
Let this kid develop in his own pace, and he’ll be top notch!
I never understoot why he never was used to solve the problems with the central defenders instead they bought an old frenchman :( anyway they have two very bright talents for the central defender role: Nordtveit and Miquel :D