Sander Berge

[jimimecca]

I´ve followed Sander Berge since he at the tender age of 17 debuted for my local team, Vålerenga. I was a season ticket holder back then and have seen him in plenty matches both for club and country.

He´s a big lanky player, but with some kind of elegant air about him. He looks slow (because of his size), and slightly clumsy (because of his size), but even when he was still a teen, he had this calm coolness about him - and always getting out of situations with the ball at his feet. In some ways he resembles our Dembele in the way that he can just glide up the field with the ball - but he´s better at delivering the ball to team mates at the right time in stead of just running in to dead ends. And not as hot headed as Dembele can be defensively. He´s more like Kanté in that he just takes the ball from the opposition without really tackling them. But, alas, he´s about as dangerous as Dembele when it comes to scoring goals himself...

In some ways, because of his height and special kind of what looks like clumsy slow technique (which is just a trick of the eye and not reality), he also resembles another Norwegian, Tore Ansdre Flo that used to play up front for Chelsea during the Zola years. Or even our own Harry Kane when he started to feature for our first team.

As a 17 year old he took to the Norwegian premiership with ease. After less than two seasons he was sold to Belgian outfit Genk, and it was thought to be a big step for him and it would take time for him to settle. Before Christmas in his first season he was bossing the midfield there as well. As a 19 year old he debuted for the senior national team - and took that level straight away too. He´s just one of those players that automatically takes to each new level he´s been tested at. Saying that: the Norwegian top league is shit, and at a low European level. Same can be said of the Norwegian national side over the last decade or so (but things are looking brighter atm). The Belgium top division is probably high mid level in Europe (around or near the level of the top leagues in Holland, Portugal, Switzerland, etc.). The step to PL level is a tremendous one.

The captain of the Norwegian national side is Stefan Johansen of Fulham, a proven professional with several seasons for Celtic and Fulham. Johansen´s natural position is the deep playmaker role, but since Berge was introduced to the national side, he has been pushed to the right flank to give room to Berge. Just before the world cup Norway played Iceland (you know: the team that beat England in the Euros, that kept Argentina at bay in Russia) in Reykjavik. Berge had barely touched a ball since New Year´s because of a hamstring injury. It was Iceland´s last test before the world cup. Berge played about 60 minutes and totally bossed the midfield. Sigurdsson & co could barely get glimpses of the ball. As far as I can understand he´s been in full training since, getting fit over the summer. We all know that international friendlies isn´t exactly Premier League level of intensity. But I actually posted in the official Norwegian Tottenham Supporters´ Facebook group the very same night the question "what would Poch get out of Sander Berge if he came to Tottenham?".

I believe he might have it in him to be a good, maybe even a very good, player in the PL. The main reason for this belief is the way he handles himself off the pitch, on the training field, in interviews, etc. He strikes me as the same kind of very dedicated, very serious, and very humble kind of modern football athelte - very much in the same mould as our own Harry Kane. I´m not saying he´s on the same level as Kane, or ever will be; but he resmebles him in the way he acts and behaves, and the dedication. No cockiness or full of himself kind of antics so many young players showcases.

The fact that three times UEFA Euroleague winners and Champions League quarter finalists Sevilla has bid for him in several transfer windows already, and that Fiorentina reportedly sees him as a replacement for Milan Badelj, speak for it self in regards to the fact that he´s seen as a promising and possibly rising star in European football.

Personally I would love to see what Poch & co could get out of him. But at the same time I´m afraid he would be more one for the future than this upcoming season.

Oh, and I´ve seen some mention that he can play in defense or as a centre back. Not more than Dembele he can. He´s a deep lying central midfielder/playmaker, one to bring the ball forward either through deep runs or passing. He´s definitely not a replacement for a Toby A. If anything a understudy to Dembele and competition to Winks. Saying that, I could see him and Winks form a partnership in the machine room though.

All that said (sorry for all the words!): I´d much rather we get Kovacic, which is the finished article and could go straight into the starting XI. But as a player for the future - sure, sign him up!

Brilliant Piece Thanks for Info ???

 

[daryl hannah]

I've slept on it and think this would be a good signing. We were told months ago we would have to get cute at CM.

This bloke can spread the play. Top passing. That's all I wanted at CM. A De Jong type. I think he's it.

Quite happy if we sign him up.

 

[Marty]

Berge is, together with Kristoffer Ajer (CB at Celtic), probably the biggest talents coming out of Norway now.

He’s taken the steps up in quality with ease since his debut, first in the Norwegian top division, then Genk and the National Team.

Not sure if he’s ready for the Premier League but it wouldn’t surprise me if he does the same here. He’s only 20 years old and would be a great buy at the quoted price. Still, I hope we’re looking at players that can definitely improve our match day squad in addition to making deals like this.

Pretty much exactly what I would've written.

I'd also add that every coach he's ever had, including Lagerback with the NT, has said that he only needed one training session to adapt to a higher level than he'd previously played at. By session two the next day he was already dominating. Might not happen as instantly in the PL but he's certainly got a lot of what we're looking for and I'd be very optimistic for him if we signed him.

 

[AJW]

I may have missed it - is there a stronger link than the newspaper article at the start of the post?

 

[Col_M]

I may have missed it - is there a stronger link than the newspaper article at the start of the post?

No. A comment from Herc saying We are aware of the Nordic guy.

 

[JUSTINSIGNAL]

So no definitive media links then? Okay

 

[Japhet]

Difficult one really. Could be Dier/Dele type signing but could also be N'Jie/N'koudou outcome with the step up to the EPL.

 

[Hazelton]

I love your optimism. It's really brilliant. I think we'll buy them because they're cheap, without any alterior motive.
Sometimes i wonder why we just don't go straight to d on our list and sign them early, rather than play all these games. Surely they'll be cheap and can get a full preseason in.

Oh I don't think it will happen. I'm literally just saying that that most of us would be happy with that if it happened, which again it almost certainly won't. Although you never know...

 

[belsunz]

So no definitive media links then? Okay

Here in Belgium he is seriously linked to Sevilla (for a while now). Bid of 15M euros on the table apparently. Belgian media are also taking over the Norwegian news that his agent is currently in England, with us and Arse mentioned as possible destinations.

 

[phillipjpalmer]

Never heard of the guy, but looking at the video he looks a player. What I like is that at 20 years old all his team mates trust him with the ball even in tight areas where he is being closed down. Looks like he uses his frame well like dembele to protect and roll opponents.

 

[CrouchPotato]

From some videos looks the perfect player for the furthest CM and Diers role. Would be very happy to sign this kid as long as we sign a more establish creative CM too, he can’t be the only one IMO

 

[belsunz]

Potentially signing a DM like Berger ties in with what one of the ITK said along the lines of 'that also got CB covered' with Dier. I believe Toby will be off, but won't be replaced with another CB.

 

[richard_gleeson]

Dier cannot play centre back, he hasn’t got awareness or concentration levels.

 

[daryl hannah]

From some videos looks the perfect player for the furthest CM and Diers role. Would be very happy to sign this kid as long as we sign a more establish creative CM too, he can’t be the only one IMO

Dembele seems to be staying. As is Wanyama. So I think this is it for CM.

The OUTS haven't gone according to plan for Daniel.

 

[daryl hannah]

Potentially signing a DM like Berger ties in with what one of the ITK said along the lines of 'that also got CB covered' with Dier. I believe Toby will be off, but won't be replaced with another CB.

This bloke can cover CB too. So plenty of options.

Maybe even CCV sticks around.

 

[CrouchPotato]

Dembele seems to be staying. As is Wanyama. So I think this is it for CM.

The OUTS haven't gone according to plan for Daniel.

Sadly I agree

 

[diamond lights]

This link might have no substance but it is our sort of purchase. Young, gifted, great potential and affordable. His attitude seems the type that Poch would love.

 

[Ghost Hardware]

Looks like a talented prospect, but I was hoping we would be looking at some more established for the CM possition.

 

[joelstinton14]

So no definitive media links then? Okay

Norwegian tv were reporting it yesterday afternoon apparently

 

[MightySpurs]

I’m from Norway, and vave been touting sbaout him for 2 years now.

Belive what you want, but I have guaranteed seen mire of him than any of you- and for 17 mill euro it’s VERY good value in this crazy market.

Under Poch he would become imense!

He has everything a CM needs- only now, someone like Poch to make him take those final steps