Christian Norgaard

Christian Thers Barsoe Norgaard



Date of Birth: 10 March 1994



Current Club: Arsenal.

Previous Clubs: Brentford, Fiorentina, Brondby, Hamburg, Lyngby.

Loan Clubs: N/A.





International: Denmark 35 appearances 1 goal.

Trophies Won: Danish FA Cup 2017/18.





I have to admit, I was surprised Norgaard went to Arsenal, because he is far too good a player to be a back up option, in my opinion. He was captain, and one of the best players at Brentford, so it is a major drop in playing time. From an Arsenal point of view, it is an excellent move to bring in an experienced back up player who can cover the midfield, though you would have to question the need for him and Zubimendi.



It does feel like another of those Arsenal signings, like the multiple defenders they keep signing, that they just do not really need, while they are ignoring the desperate need for a left winger and a back up/rotation striker. All of that aside, Norgaard himself is a good midfielder, who is capable of playing a defensive mid role or a more box to box central midfield role. He is particularly strong at breaking up play, though he is not the most mobile.



He also lacks a little in power and strength, so can be physically overrun, despite his good positional sense. Norgaard does have an excellent work ethic, really good technique, with nice fast feet and the ability to turn quickly out of trouble. Despite not being the tallest, he does attack the ball well, which makes him a threat on set pieces in the air.



The key thing about him, which makes him so capable of the step up in level from mid-table Premier League to the top end, is the way he plays with his head up. When Norgaard has the ball at his feet, even if running with it, he is always looking for a pass. Added to that, he does have very good vision to spot runs and the accuracy and weight of pass to pick them out.



At the age of 31, he is on the back end of his career now, but his leadership and experience could prove vital to a young squad like Arsenal's. Also, with him being a player that does not rely on his physicality, there is every chance that he could have a few years left in him yet. Norgaard will not be the difference between an Arsenal title and another second place, but he could be just enough to keep them in the hunt when resources get stretched over the winter months.



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