With Vincent Janssen leaving for Tottenham, AZ Alkmaar need to find another goalscorer and that responsibility could fall on young summer signing Fred Friday.

  • By Michael Bell
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Fred Imoh Friday started his career in the lower leagues of Nigeria with Gabros and Unicem Rovers before leaving his homeland in 2013, aged 17, to look for a club in Europe. He had a trial with Lillestrom and impressed the Norwegian side enough to be offered a contract.

Friday struggled to adapt to the step up in his first two seasons, scoring three times in twenty-two appearances, but burst onto the scene in the 2015/16 season, scoring 17 goals in 29 games. He followed that up with eight in twelve appearances before AZ Alkmaar swooped to bring the now 21-year-old forward to the Netherlands.

Playing style

Friday has all the attributes to be a top Eredivisie striker. He is quick, skillful, and can score goals with either foot or in the air. Friday is physically strong and good in the air, meaning he is comfortable playing with his back to goal and a threat from set pieces.

Goals aren’t the only part of the striker’s game, with Friday also providing a number of assists during his time with Lillestrom and his link-up play could prove crucial at AZ, who like to attack from their wings.

What does this season hold for Friday

Friday joins AZ Alkmaar with no real pressure on his shoulders. Wout Weghorst has been signed by AZ as the expected replacement for Vincent Janssen, and with his transfer fee only around €1 million, Friday should be given the time to adapt to his new surroundings.

The 21-year-old is likely to start the season as a back-up, but AZ fans should be excited to see their new forward in action and if he carries on his form from Norway, coach John van den Brom will have a real gem on his hands.




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