HISTORY OF...ERIK HUSEKLEPP

Picture via www.dailymail.co.uk

By Andrew Richards

Huseklepp. Some say the next Cantona. All we know is he is Pompey's next star. The Norwegian international recently put pen to paper and signed a tasty three-year deal. But, who is he? Where did he come from? Is he actually any good? I am hoping I can answer all of those questions in this article. 

Erik Huseklepp is a twenty-six year old Norwegian international striker/winger. Erik was born in the Bærum area of Norway. Bærum has a population of just over 100,000 and Huseklepp is the only well known character that we would know to come out of Bærum. Huseklepp has played twenty-one games for the Norwegian national side scoring six goals. Erik scored on his international debut with a 4-0 victory over our neighbours, Scotland. The twenty-six year old scored after John Carew hit the post twice and Huseklepp was named man of the match. Pretty good for his debut, if you ask me! He recently scored against Denmark, which is his most recent goal for his country, in March in a Euro 2012 Qualifier which ended 1-1. In terms of whether he is good or not I think it really is down to personal opinion. Some people love, let's say, Wayne Rooney and think he is amazing; other people think their grandparents could do better, so I believe it is down to opinion. In terms of statistics, Erik Huseklepp has played a total of one hundred and eighty-nine games scoring 42 goals, with one of the appearances being for the mighty Blues, Portsmouth. He signed for Portsmouth recently from Bari, a Italian Serie B side, for £1.5 million. 

What can Huseklepp achieve at Portsmouth? Well, Pompey boss, Steve Cotterill has said, "He’s a good, calm finisher with a good strike and great pace" and "technically he’s good and his pace is good" and Norway and Swindon legend Jan Aage Fjortoft has said, "Erik Huseklepp can cause havoc in the Championship." Could this be a sign of great things to come? Maybe! Currently our attacking forces are Benjani, Kanu, Kitson and Huseklepp and Varney, who tends to more play on the wing. Five potential strikers! I did not think I would be saying that at the start of this season and a twenty six year old who is "technically good" could be exactly what we need. 

As well as Huseklepp and Benjani coming into Fratton Park, Cotterill is lining up another three signings. This gives Portsmouth options and it was great to see that Steve had to pick and leave people out of the game at Bristol. That may sound mean, saying it's good people have been left out, but it means we have numbers and if injuries hit us then we can cope. 

This concludes my article on Mr. Huseklepp and only time will tell if he can become the next big star at Fratton Park. I hope this has given you a bit more of a detailed insight into Erik Huseklepp.