After breaking onto the scene last season, Fredrik Jensen will this time be relied upon to produce the goods for a youthful FC Twente. He is a gem hidden a little under the radar and is certainly one to keep an eye on.

  • By Michael Statham
  • Follow Michael on Twitter @EredivisieMike

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In typical Dutch fashion, Jensen was scouted as a teenager from HJK Helsinki in his native Finland. Despite only arriving in the Netherlands at 16, the 19-year-old speaks fluent Dutch already.

The young Fin featured heavily for his country’s under 17s but then didn’t make many appearances for older age groups because of his rapid development to the senior side. His form last season earnt him a first cap (and goal) for Finland.

Domestically, Jensen plays for Twente – a debt ridden side still recovering from the days of Steve McLaren. Hence the teenager already finds himself having to step up to the Eredivisie side’s first team.

“I had an OK season last season. I want to step up my game. I’m looking forward to next season.” Said Jensen, in an exclusive  interview with Football-Oranje, which you can see here or below.

During the last campaign, Jensen went from debutant to first team regular – totalling 25 appearances, four goals and two assists – earning him the FC Twente Talent of the Year award.

Jensen has a brother, 21-year-old defender Richard, who has not yet broken through to Twente’s first team.

Style of Play

Jensen is an attacking midfielder who is adept in a number of positions, including both wings, centre midfield and he once even played centre-back!

He is at his best when inside the opponent’s penalty area. His calm presence helps him think sensibly to give simple lay-offs to teammates in scoring opportunities as well as confidence when finishing attacks himself.

When unleashed in the ‘ten’ position, Jensen is allowed a free role to confuse defences and make runs in behind. At times, the first touch or final pass could be more accurate, but is often in the right places to create openings.

Last season, the Fin played behind Manchester City loanee Enes Unal. They enjoyed a friendship both on and off the pitch – a trait important when knowing your striker well enough to feed them goal scoring chances.

What to expect from Jensen this season

Due to Twente being unable to sign much competition, expect Jensen to play almost all games this season – mostly in the CAM position but also on the wings if needed. For example, in the preseason friendly against Bristol City, he started on the left of a midfield quartet.

Jensen will have to cope with the pressure of being relied upon for goals and assists. If his stats in front of goal improve, he will be a wanted man come next summer.

Jensen revealed to us that his dream is to play in the Premier League. He has a lot of his game to develop yet, but who knows what the future will hold for him.




Michael Statham (802 Posts)

Writer/interviewer/YouTuber for Football-Oranje. Massive Dutch football fan from the UK. Follow me @EredivisieMike & subscribe to Football-Oranje on YouTube.