World Cup 2018 Underdog Star #10 - Emil Forsberg

Everyone knows all about Messi and Ronaldo, so instead my aim with this countdown series is to highlight some of the lesser known players, who are equally as important to their nation's hopes during World Cup 2018. 

Emil Forsberg - Picture: matdubb.tumblr.com

With a history of talented footballers in the family, Emil Forsberg followed in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather. All 3 started their careers at Swedish top-tier club, GIF Sundsvall. Leif Forsberg (Emil’s father) even achieving legendary status at the club, having his number 10 shirt retired following his farewell season in 2001.   

Usually plying his trade down the left-wing, Emil has been a driving force behind RB Leipzig’s success since joining the club back in January 2015. His abilities came to fruition during his first full season, helping Leipzig land a place in the Bundesliga by scoring 8 goals and assisting a further 7. His importance in Leipzig’s journey was highlighted that season when he was awarded ‘Best Bundesliga/2 Player'. Forsberg continued this outstanding form into the 2016/17 season scoring 8 Bundesliga goals. However, even more impressively, assisting a mammoth 22 times! His significance in the side may also have been apparent in Leipzig’s downfall this season. Following the eyebrow-raising debut in the topflight with the club finishing in a remarkable 2nd place, Forsberg suffered injuries and Leipzig only managed 6th this season.   

With clubs like Arsenal apparently interested in him, there’s no doubt that Forsberg is now a top name in European football. But can he demonstrate this on the world stage? And is his form good enough despite only scoring twice in an injury stricken season in the Bundesliga? Either way, his dogged determination and aggressive attacking runs will surely be vital if Sweden are to progress through the group stages and make this World Cup a success. (Opening game: Sweden vs. South Korea - 18/06@1pm)

A way to remember, release and share my passion for football...

So where does one start when writing a blog? An introduction? A potted history of events? A description of why I'm doing this? Think I'll start there...

So why write a blog and what makes me believe that I can be a football writer? Well firstly, I too really enjoy reading football articles and blogs such as these. I find it intriguing to follow the game from the stands, rather than just hearing what a paid pundit or journalist has been forced to come up with. So I thought maybe I could chip in with a few memorable matchday stories myself. 

However, if I'm honest, my main reason for writing this blog is to release some of the built-up football infatuation that constantly revolves in my head. Like many others out there, I'm obsessed with every aspect of this beautiful sport and have immersed myself in it since a very young age. I've played a bit, coached a bit and watched a lot! 

I now mainly just watch a lot, whether it's non-league or Premier League, I'll travel around the U.K. and aim to visit as many new grounds as possible.  I'm also on a mission to see as many Bundesliga clubs in action as I can - having now visited Dortmund, Hamburg and Mainz, also seeing Bayern, Mönchengladbach, Frankfurt, Hannover and Stuttgart away from home. It's been a pleasure for the eyes, as the German teams always strive to entertain their fans with an attacking style of play. 

I hope to cement these memories, the legendary people I've met along the way, the unforgettably catchy chants sung from the stands and the multitude of unpredictable moments only football can produce. This is my way of saying thank you, but also hopefully a way of giving something back to a community that's given me so much over the years.