Best known for his days in an Arsenal shirt playing in the English Premier League, Fredrik ‘Freddie’ Ljungberg brings top quality to the new-look Sounders. Signed as their Designated Player on October 28, 2008, the Swedish international immediately became the new face of the Sounders franchise.Ljungberg is known for decisive runs attacking the flanks of opposing defenses, pinpoint passing, and a hard, precise shot that has allowed him to score 58 goals throughout his professional career. There is only one factor that could stop Ljungberg’s ability to provide the Sounders with a proven leader and midfield maestro: his health.
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In December 2008, it was reported that Ljungberg would undergo hip surgery to finally repair a torn labrum. This news was alarming to many Sounders fans and some began to worry about Ljungberg’s longevity and health. However, barring anything unusual, the surgery should provide Ljungberg with his first clean bill of health in years.
Though he is expected to miss the first game of the season in 2009, a healthy Ljungberg could mean the Sounders will be more than a mere expansion team with high attendance and few wins in their inaugural season. At 31, Ljungberg can still offer 2-3 years of top form for the Sounders, and if his ability resembles what it was with Arsenal, then Sounders fans are in for a treat.
Often compared to David Beckham for his modeling work, Ljungberg brings a big personality and world-class skill to the Pacific Northwest. A midfield player who has primarily been utilized as a winger throughout his career, Ljungberg has captained Sweden’s national team and was considered a fan favorite when he played for Arsenal.
Despite success as a young player in Sweden, Ljungberg’s rise to prominence began when he signed with London club Arsenal. In 9 years with the Gunners, Ljungberg scored 46 Premier League goals, won 2 Premier League titles, 3 FA Cups, and was a key member of Arsenal’s famous 2004 undefeated side.
However, Ljungberg’s string of successful campaigns with Arsenal eventually came to an end as injuries took their toll on his playing career. Following a bout of migraine headaches and persistent hip injuries, Ljungberg left Arsenal in 2007.
Following his departure, Ljungberg chose to sign with West Ham United, another London-based club, but he never achieved the cult status he had attained at Arsenal. It took him seven months to score his first goal for the Hammers, and his injury problems would not go away.
On the last game of the season in 2007-2008, Ljungberg broke several ribs in an on-field clash with Newcastle’s Steven Taylor. Due to his lack of consistent goal scoring and his continued injuries, West Ham and Ljungberg agreed to terminate the remaining three years of his deal.
It didn’t take long for the Sounders to see a potential gem in Ljungberg. Sitting at home as a free agent, rumors began to circulate that clubs such as AC Milan and A.S. Roma of the Italian Serie A were interested in his services. However, with no concrete offer from any Italian clubs on the table, Ljungberg decided to take his game to the MLS by signing with the Sounders.
It is widely believed that Ljungberg will patrol the center of the pitch for the Sounders as an attacking midfielder. General Manager Adrian Hanauer, Technical Director Chris Henderson, and Ljungberg himself believe the Swedish star can provide more impact for the team as a creative force in central midfield as opposed to his usual role as a winger. As a central player, Ljungberg will have more control over the flow of the game and the ability to dictate play to either side of the pitch.
Reach Alden Walcon at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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