Transfer Profile: Julian Kristoffersen

Looking to improve on the third lowest goal total in K2 last season, Jeonnam Dragons have turned to Norwegian youth prospect Julian Kristoffersen for 2020. The young forward has represented Norway at the youth level and is coming off a two year stint with Danish Superliga side Hobro IK. To get more info on the Dragons' new signing, K League United spoke with Football Radar's Danish League Analyst, Tom Sanders.

How was he viewed at Hobro IK? League wide?

Although he featured in most games he was unable to ever nail down a significant run of games in the starting line-up. Hobro are one of the smallest sides in the Danish top tier and typically find themselves struggling towards the bottom of the table, as has again been the case so far this season. Kristoffersen did come through the youth teams at Danish heavyweights FCK but was unable to breakthrough there and he has failed to really kick on since advancing to senior football.

Strongest aspects of his game?

Given his height (1.99m), he is an obvious aerial threat and also a good focal point for an attack. He typically featured in a 4-4-2 system at Hobro where he was able to occupy the defence and hold the ball up to bring others into play. As such his close control is to a decent level and in a side that was one of the weaker in the division he was often required to put in his fair share of defensive pressing of the opposition.

Weaknesses?

He has never been a prolific striker and from what I have seen he does not appear to be a natural goalscorer. This is not a major concern if his strike partner is scoring and the Hobro team he played in was fairly defensive in their tactics, however I think he would have hoped for a better record than 6 goals in his 50 appearances at the club. Despite a good work rate he also lacks a turn of pace.

Reason for leaving?

Plain and simply, financial. Hobro is a small club and received an offer that they could not turn down. This move also represents an opportunity for Kristoffersen to try a completely different football culture and I think he jumped at the chance to test himself abroad.  

Where do you think he would be best utilized with Jeonnam?

I have generally only really seen him in a 4-4-2 system but equally I think he could have a role to play as a lone striker providing he gets good support from the wingers and midfield. As indicated he does not have the best scoring record so the presence of a second striker may be the better option and would allow Kristoffersen to focus on using his strengths to create opportunities for others.

What should K League fans expect from him?

Nothing too remarkable I am afraid! Kristoffersen is a hard working, honest striker but I would be surprised if he was to really take the league by storm. He will be a different challenge for many defences I imagine given his height and his level of success will likely depend predominantly on how opposition teams are able to cope with this.

Best moment with Hobro IK?

His Hobro highlight came back in October 2018 when he headed a late goal against FC Nordsjaelland to secure a 3-2 victory.