Isak Hansen-Aarøen | signs for Werner Bremen

[UnitedSofa]

Iqbal is probably injured as he is not even in the squad, and had just 20 minutes or so in preseason. It is not going OK for him at the moment. Hardley did not even get preseason minutes.

Iqbal got sold

 

[Bojan Djordjic]

It's very interesting because we seem to have loads of that type of player (ball carriers) in our U-21 teams over the last couple of years or so - Hannibal, Iqbal (wonder how he's doing in the Netherlands), IHA, Mainoo, even Gore, seem to be a lot more comfortable on the ball dribbling and carrying the ball than any of the first team midfield (not saying they're better players mind).
Seems like a conscious choice, so one wonders why that hasn't really translated to the seniors.

Interestingly Mount is the one I think is the best dribbler of our current senior set, even if he hasn't shown it yet.

He is but he's not even particularly good at it. Just a really low bar at the moment as none of Casemiro, Bruno or Eriksen are in any way good dribblers or press resistant.

 

[Bojan Djordjic]

He's very accomplished on the ball but it concerns me that a lot of our players recruited underage have similar physical profiles which just aren't cutting it so far in the Premiership. Our senior team is not much better. There's a reason why McTominay, an unheralded and fairly limited technical talent, has made it at the club while much better players have moved on. As much as I'd love to see a player like Hansen-Aroen make it, he's going to have to be so much better than someone with McTominay's athletic profile.

 

[top1whoisman]

Called up to the Norway U21 squad for the first time. They play San Marino and Latvia in their opening Euro 2025 qualifiers.

 

[Bojan Djordjic]

I'd love to see this guy brought into the match day squad. Has such impeccable technique, it'd be interesting to see if he can scale it up to senior. Has always looked class in whatever cameos he's got in pre-season. Really wouldn't want to lose him without giving him a crack.

 

[top1whoisman]

U21 debut for Norway, well done IHA!

 

[top1whoisman]

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[Wing Attack Plan R]

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Nothing fancy with that goal, but he saw an opportunity, ran to the right place, got the ball and finished. Can't ask for more than that, despite San Marino being barely Sunday league level. I really hope he gets a chance in the first team, though. Been watching him for years, he's always looked different gravy.

 

[top1whoisman]

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[khoazany]

Has been twice the player he was this season so far. Looks ready for the next step whatever that is.

 

[Cassidy]

Has been twice the player he was this season so far. Looks ready for the next step whatever that is.

Replacing Sancho

 

[Bojan Djordjic]

Probably deserves an opportunity this year. There's some who swear he can be the next Modric so we should at least let him prove whether he can cut it or not.

 

[lysglimt]

He certainly looks like he has taken steps over the last 12 months - his touch has always been there, but he looks stronger and faster to me.

 

[izec]

I am a big fan, he is exactly the type we are missing in midfield. I hope we have plans for him.

 

[ROFLUTION]

Reminded me a bit of Bruno in that clip. Versatile fella with vision and skill it seems.

Whats his best/favorite position?

 

[RedRonaldo]

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He looks like Maradona at that level.

 

[jeepers]

Could have released the ball earlier on quite a few occasions, but his creativity and technique has always been there. He does seem to have gotten stronger and faster as others have already pointed out. Surprised it’s his first appearance for the U21 given his quality. Hopefully he can do better than Eikrem and Daehli. Or maybe we’ll end up buying that Nypan kid.

 

[Bojan Djordjic]

Reminded me a bit of Bruno in that clip. Versatile fella with vision and skill it seems.

Whats his best/favorite position?

Think he's a lot better on the ball than Bruno in terms of dribbling, carrying, taking cute touches and evading pressure but I haven't seen much to say he has Bruno's passing range.

 

[Samid]

He looks like Maradona at that level.

It’s San Marino’s kids. Do they even have 15 eligible players at that level?

 

[RedRonaldo]

It’s San Marino’s kids. Do they even have 15 eligible players at that level?

Yeh, hence my emphasis on "at that level"

 

[Borninthe80ts]

He was one of the players that I was looking to step up their game this season and it’s seems he is making positive strides. He is a lovely player to watch when he is on his game but I felt he let matches pass him by at times.
He has the capability to be the creative hub of his side and it’s impressive that he continues to be seen as a leader at international level.
On a side note he seemed to line up almost as false 9, or at least the furthest midfielder forward between to wide players in the under 21 game. Can anyone who watched the game confirm this?

 

[andersj]

I think one of the issues with several of these type of talents, Gore, Isak, Mejbri, is that they are rarely ready to play for a top team in midfield before 24-25 year old. Look at players like Mac Allister, Odegaard and Modric. We all knew of them from an early age, but they did not play regular football at «great» teams at the highest level before 24 years of age. The same was the case for Bruno, Carrick, Fernandinho, Henderson, Winjaldum, Fabinho, Gundogan, Yaya etc. Even KdB.

There is a few exceptions. Players that are both physically and mentally very mature at an early age. But I think we overestimate how many of them there is and the likelyhood of one of our talents being ready at an early age. And to fullfil their potential they need to play regular football at a decent, competetive level from 20 to 24 years old.

 

[greater wall]

I think one of the issues with several of these type of talents, Gore, Isak, Mejbri, is that they are rarely ready to play for a top team in midfield before 24-25 year old. Look at players like Mac Allister, Odegaard and Modric. We all knew of them from an early age, but they did not play regular football at «great» teams at the highest level before 24 years of age. The same was the case for Bruno, Carrick, Fernandinho, Henderson, Winjaldum, Fabinho, Gundogan, Yaya etc. Even KdB.

There is a few exceptions. Players that are both physically and mentally very mature at an early age. But I think we overestimate how many of them there is and the likelyhood of one of our talents being ready at an early age. And to fullfil their potential they need to play regular football at a decent, competetive level from 20 to 24 years old.

Yes, I was thinking that as well that he would not feature for the first team until at least 23 years old. He is still not ready to go on loan either so will be training with the first team and reserve football for this season atleast.

 

[andersj]

Yes, I was thinking that as well that he would not feature for the first team until at least 23 years old. He is still not ready to go on loan either so will be training with the first team and reserve football for this season atleast.

Hopefully a few more months in and around the first team could make ready for a loan to Eredivise. I think, for now, that would suit him well.

 

[Crimson King]

I think one of the issues with several of these type of talents, Gore, Isak, Mejbri, is that they are rarely ready to play for a top team in midfield before 24-25 year old. Look at players like Mac Allister, Odegaard and Modric. We all knew of them from an early age, but they did not play regular football at «great» teams at the highest level before 24 years of age. The same was the case for Bruno, Carrick, Fernandinho, Henderson, Winjaldum, Fabinho, Gundogan, Yaya etc. Even KdB.

There is a few exceptions. Players that are both physically and mentally very mature at an early age. But I think we overestimate how many of them there is and the likelyhood of one of our talents being ready at an early age. And to fullfil their potential they need to play regular football at a decent, competetive level from 20 to 24 years old.

You make a fair point. Central midfield is certainly a position where experience matters, and many players don't peak until their mid to late 20s.

 

[Crimson King]

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Might just be the tight shirts, but looks like he's bulked up his upper body a bit since the last time I saw a clip of him playing.

 

[andersj]

You make a fair point. Central midfield is certainly a position where experience matters, and many players don't peak until their mid to late 20s.

It is a brains game. It is about managing risk. The prefrontal cortex is usually not developed by the age of 22-23. That is why insurance are more expensive for young men.

 

[Borninthe80ts]

I think one of the issues with several of these type of talents, Gore, Isak, Mejbri, is that they are rarely ready to play for a top team in midfield before 24-25 year old. Look at players like Mac Allister, Odegaard and Modric. We all knew of them from an early age, but they did not play regular football at «great» teams at the highest level before 24 years of age. The same was the case for Bruno, Carrick, Fernandinho, Henderson, Winjaldum, Fabinho, Gundogan, Yaya etc. Even KdB.

There is a few exceptions. Players that are both physically and mentally very mature at an early age. But I think we overestimate how many of them there is and the likelyhood of one of our talents being ready at an early age. And to fullfil their potential they need to play regular football at a decent, competetive level from 20 to 24 years old.

I fully agree with the assessment as midfield has to be the toughest position to play on the pitch for a top team. The demands, especially for young players can be overwhelming and it’s only a small percentage that have the ability to play regularly in this role.
The trait I tend to look for in players now is game intelligence and decision making. Lots of these players have the technical ability but lack consistency.
One who I think does have that composure is Mainoo though. Even in hindsight I rarely critique his choices.

 

[united_99]

I think one of the issues with several of these type of talents, Gore, Isak, Mejbri, is that they are rarely ready to play for a top team in midfield before 24-25 year old. Look at players like Mac Allister, Odegaard and Modric. We all knew of them from an early age, but they did not play regular football at «great» teams at the highest level before 24 years of age. The same was the case for Bruno, Carrick, Fernandinho, Henderson, Winjaldum, Fabinho, Gundogan, Yaya etc. Even KdB.

There is a few exceptions. Players that are both physically and mentally very mature at an early age. But I think we overestimate how many of them there is and the likelyhood of one of our talents being ready at an early age. And to fullfil their potential they need to play regular football at a decent, competetive level from 20 to 24 years old.

Yep. And even the likes of Scholes or Xavi while they were always very good players and everyone with some knowledge of the game could see their insane talent, they became truly top level players with great consistency only when they were a bit older and well established players by then.

 

[AltiUn]

I’ve always liked him, I think he’s class.

 

[pascell]

Everytime I've watched him play for the u23s and u18s he's always stood out technically, it's just a cause of him catching up physically which it looks like he's starting to do. Hopefully see him get minutes in some cup games.

 

[hungryhippo]

On a side note he seemed to line up almost as false 9, or at least the furthest midfielder forward between to wide players in the under 21 game. Can anyone who watched the game confirm this?

That's correct, Norway set up without a centre forward. Did well in a free attacking role. Will be interesting to see if he gets to play in that role against the stronger opposition in the group.

 

[lysglimt]

Norway have never had so many talented midfielder/attacking players ever - if we only could produce a decent goalkeepers and centrebacks, we could be world-class.

These are some of the best / most talented who are 24 years or younger - getting into the Norwegian side as a CM/ST will be tough in the future - but Hansen Aarøen absolutely has a chance

Strand Larsen - Celta Vigo
Haaland - City
Botheim - Salernitana
Nusa - Club Brugge
Sahraoui - Herenveen
Schjelderup - NordSjalland on loan from Benfica
Jatta - Sturm Graz
Karlsbakk - Herenveen
Bobb - City
Ceide - Sassuolo
Mvueka - L'orient
Fiabema - Sociedad
Arnstad - Anderlecht
Mansverk - Ajax
Hansen Aarøen - United
Zafeiris - Slavia Praha
Holm - Celtic
Vetlesen - Club Brugge
Ødegaard - Arsenal

 

[Samid]

Norway have never had so many talented midfielder/attacking players ever - if we only could produce a decent goalkeepers and centrebacks, we could be world-class.

These are some of the best / most talented who are 24 years or younger - getting into the Norwegian side as a CM/ST will be tough in the future - but Hansen Aarøen absolutely has a chance

Strand Larsen - Celta Vigo
Haaland - City
Botheim - Salernitana
Nusa - Club Brugge
Sahraoui - Herenveen
Schjelderup - NordSjalland on loan from Benfica
Jatta - Sturm Graz
Karlsbakk - Herenveen
Bobb - City
Ceide - Sassuolo
Mvueka - L'orient
Fiabema - Sociedad
Arnstad - Anderlecht
Mansverk - Ajax
Hansen Aarøen - United
Zafeiris - Slavia Praha
Holm - Celtic
Vetlesen - Club Brugge
Ødegaard - Arsenal

You forgot Nypan.

I don’t see a route for IHA into the team unless he develops into a complete midfielder. Ødegaard and Aursnes have the two advanced mid spots locked for many years to come. He doesn’t have the qualities to challenge the front 3.

I’d love to see this for the WC qualifiers:

Mannsverk
Aursnes - Ødegaard
Bobb - Haaland - Nusa​

 

[dutchred]

He certainly looks like he has taken steps over the last 12 months - his touch has always been there, but he looks stronger and faster to me.

We'll soon be overcrowded with good young midfielders
With him, Mainoo, Gore, Mejbri

 

[amolbhatia50k]

I think one of the issues with several of these type of talents, Gore, Isak, Mejbri, is that they are rarely ready to play for a top team in midfield before 24-25 year old. Look at players like Mac Allister, Odegaard and Modric. We all knew of them from an early age, but they did not play regular football at «great» teams at the highest level before 24 years of age. The same was the case for Bruno, Carrick, Fernandinho, Henderson, Winjaldum, Fabinho, Gundogan, Yaya etc. Even KdB.

There is a few exceptions. Players that are both physically and mentally very mature at an early age. But I think we overestimate how many of them there is and the likelyhood of one of our talents being ready at an early age. And to fullfil their potential they need to play regular football at a decent, competetive level from 20 to 24 years old.

It’s also about having a team to suit that type of midfielder. Throwing a young small technically gifted playmaking CM is easier to do at a team that is tactically friendly towards such a player. With ours which has been geared towards counter attacks and individual moments, these players will find it harder.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

You forgot Nypan.

I don’t see a route for IHA into the team unless he develops into a complete midfielder. Ødegaard and Aursnes have the two advanced mid spots locked for many years to come. He doesn’t have the qualities to challenge the front 3.

I’d love to see this for the WC qualifiers:

Mannsverk
Aursnes - Ødegaard
Bobb - Haaland - Nusa​

Why? This bloke is 27. IHA is just 19. By the time he hits his prime, the other fellow will be 32 or more. Unless you think he doesn’t have the talent.

 

[horsechoker]

What's his criminal history like?

 

[Red_toad]

Replacing Sancho

Nah replacing Bruno, he’s close to his demise in 12 months when he hits the big 30 Caf end of career age.

 

[Red Rash]

We'll soon be overcrowded with good young midfielders
With him, Mainoo, Gore, Mejbri

Yup we have a decent set of talented midfielders there. The only thing I would say after supporting United for 30+ years is that we often have a bunch of youngsters who look like they have a good chance of making it but ultimately very few make the step up. If even one of those players goes on to be a first teamer long term that would be a big win. That's even considering that I still believe our midfield options lack depth.