With the Sounders in need of a goalkeeper (Gspurning?), they could also be interested in a left/right defender. Joachim Thomassen could be that defender. The 23-year-old currently plays for Fredrikstad FK in the Tippeligean (Norway D1). The season ends on November 27 and FFK are sure to stay in the first division.
Thanks to our newest partner, soundersfc.de.to, SSFC-Rumors has found out that the Sounders could be interested in the Norwegian defender. A recent article by The Seattle Times broke the news a few days ago.
"I would go (Sigi Schmid), 'Who's that guy?' (Kurt Schmid, scout for the Sounders and son of Sigi) 'Oh this guy plays left fullback. He's playing over at Fredrikstad.The left fullback could certainly be Thomassen. The 23-year-old has played in a number of youth level for Norway (Under-17/19/21). The #1 left back for the club in 2009, Thomassen could be a replacement for Tyson Wahl or Leonardo Gonzalez.
Links:
Wikipedia
Club Profile
Thursday evening update:
Just found some really nice information about Thomassen:
- For his efforts in the left back position, he was voted the "Man of the Match" a few weeks ago.
- In May 2009, he signed a contract with FFK until 2012.
Joachim Thomassen 2011 League/Cup stats
Games played: 28
Minutes: 2390
Goals: 3
Assists: 3
Yellow Cards: 3
Current PP90**: 0.34
**Points Per 90 is 2 times Goals plus Assists divided by Minutes times 90.
Links
I like the thought of this guy playing for the Sounders. I feel our left back position could use a consistent player. Wahl has done a good job and would provide a solid backup to Thomassen. I have never been a fan of Gonzalez for some reason so would be happy to see Thomassen or someone of his caliber take over the position.
ReplyDeleteHere's why this would be a good move.
ReplyDeleteCurrent fullbacks (age):
James Riley (29)
Leo Gonzales (31)
Tyson Wahl (27)
Zach Scott (31)
Taylor Graham (31)
Very well put Randy! We need some youth mixed in with the experience. If we continue to play in several leagues/cups at the same time like this past season, we will need to keep the depth as well.
ReplyDeleteHey there!
ReplyDeleteThomassen is a very loyal player, no troubles at all around him, very nice "off the field"-behaviour and a kind person. On the pitch he's a good player. I believe he has a great future infront of him, I've been following him closely since he first came to FFK in 2007, and he's always had a good attitude, been self-sacrificing and everything you can demand of a real team-player. But he's also not developed in all areas, eventhough he's got his head in the game he has on very few occasions lost focus and as a defender, you really hate to see that. On the other hand, I do believe that joining a a club out of his comfort-zone might be good for him and his development if Seattle decides to go for him. He also plays a lot of national youth matches and is a good footballer with a bright future ahead of him. He's also rarely injured.
Would hate to lose him but I think he could do well, as some of you might know Norway is a football-nation and we really love our football, think he'll be able to do some really good work in MLS.
And if you want to know more about him, use google translate on http://www.ffksupporter.no/spillere/joachim_thomassen/ or something. :)
Cheers from Norway (Fredrikstad).