Former Liverpool, Monaco and Roma defender John Arne Riise believes that Ipswich Town’s Sindre Walle Egeli and West Brom’s Aune Heggebo can thrive in a level higher than the Championship.
He thinks they could well thrive in the Premier League, and tipped Championship sides to keep looking at the Norwegian market for more talented players.
Egeli has made 13 appearances for Ipswich this campaign, scoring twice and assisting twice, whereas Heggebo has made 20 appearances for West Brom, appearing on the scoresheet seven times.
Since joining from the Norwegian Eliteserien in the summer, both men appear to have adapted well to English football and could encourage fellow countrymen to follow in their footsteps.
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Sensible
The Championship can prove to be a tough challenge for new signings to adapt to but ultimately allows players a chance to test themselves against former Premier League outfits whilst also pushing for promotion to the promised land.
In an exclusive interview with FootItalia, Riise believes that a Championship move suits Norwegian talent and lets them prove they have the ability to reach the next level.
“The Championship is a tough place to be in, and he’s (Egeli) doing a good job of showing how many talented Norwegian players we have.
“There’s also Aune Heggebo at West Brom, too. They’ve both taken sensible decisions, to go to the Championship to test themselves.
“Once they’ve proven they can cut it, they can then take it to the next level, the Premier League. I think that is the right move for them both.
He further complimented Heggebo by adding “I’m convinced Heggebo’s style will work in the Premier League. I loved Heggebo when he was at Brann in Norway.
“He has a great physique and a great work rate, and those are two essentials if you want to succeed in England. I’m excited to see how far they can go.”
PICTURE: PSI
Perfect
The 45-year-old would further explain how the Championship can prove ideal for Norwegian talent who are taking their first step into English football, such as Egeli and Heggebo.
“I think Norwegian players would love to come to England.
“Obviously the dream for Norwegian players is the Premier League, for most of them at least. I think the Championship can be a great first move.
“It’s a tough league, with big clubs. There’s more money, and it’s more professional now.
“The move up from the Championship to the Premier League is big, but it’s doable. For some Norwegians, a move to the Championship is a perfect step.
“It’s the right way to get to the Premier League for some players.”
Full comments from John Arne Riise’s interview are available at https://www.footitalia.com/
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