For Aron Jóhannsson, a difficult sporting year came to an end a few days ago. Off the pitch, it could have been one of the nicest years in the 27-year-old’s life due to the birth of his daughter Alba. But the American attacker struggled with injuries in 2017. The turn of the year offers the forward a chance to claim a place in Werder’s XI, to right previous wrongs and to look to the future. Those that know Jóhannsson are aware that he has the right characteristics to make all of this happen.
The sun is frequently shining at Werder’s winter training camp at the La Finca Golf & Spa Resort in Algorfa, conditions which offer Aron Jóhannsson plenty of opportunities to show Bremen’s players and staff what he is all about. After knee problems before the winter break, Jóhannsson is now back in the South in full training. He finished Friday afternoon’s session a little earlier than his teammates due to slight discomfort but shouldn’t miss training over the next few days. “Aron has impressed in training,” said Werder coach Florian Kohfeldt. It seems that Jóhannsson is leading the way both physically and in terms of performance.
Kohfeldt likes both the style of play and character of his number nine. “Aron is a very intelligent player. He’s quick and can break into space, but is also strong in helping to link up play,” commented Kohfeldt. The head coach went on to add that he is impressed by the desire displayed by the USA international, even though he has been restricted to just 100 minutes of competitive action in 2017/18, stating that “he doesn’t play for fun, but rather to win”. According to the boss, this is the case with activities both on and off the pitch. “I like people who hate to lose,” reinforced Kohfeldt, who is known to be a fan of players with a winning mentality.
With Fin Bartels set for a long spell on the sidelines, Jóhannsson’s return couldn’t come at a better time. Although it wouldn’t be a like-for-like substitution, the American’s versatility offers the Green-Whites a new attacking option. “Aron is very versatile,” said Kohfeldt. “He can play on the wing, partner somebody in attack or lead the line himself.”
The coaching staff are aware that Jóhannsson has a few limitations, especially as far as his defensive work is concerned, but they are working meticulously and are convinced he can quickly eliminate these blemishes from his game. Then Aron Jóhannsson will definitely be able to help his teammates in the second half of the season – and perhaps make his mark in the Werder shirt in 2018.
