Keep an eye on Steven Somers
  • Name: Steven Somers
  • Age: 21 (09.09.91)
  • Position: Left Back
  • Club: Esbjerg FB, Danish Superliga
  • International caps: None
  • Value: £50.000

Esbjerg has a touch of England in their squad. His name is Steven Somers, a 21-year old talent with a Danish mother and an English father - This week's keep an eye on...

Steven Somers has played in Esbjerg since he could tie his own shoe-laces and  worked his way through the system to become a member of the 1st team squad.

EFB coach, Jess Thorup said about his left back:
"Steven has gone through our 'youth to elite' project and has a great talent, which we never doubted."

When Somers was a part of the U16 team in Esbjerg, he was invited on a trial at the Italian club Reggina. Here, he met another football culture than he was used to in Denmark:
"In the first training I had, I was met by a rough tackle as I slipped past a player. I think they are raised in a more competitive environment, and no one is going to come from the outside and take over their position. I felt that right from the start!"

Later in his youth years, he was invited on a trial with Middlesbrough, close to the small town where his father was raised. Unfortunately, Somers, who is Manchster United fan, he was struck by glandular fever, and had to cancel the trip.

Despite, the fact that he is born and raised in Denmark, Somers tells that most of his family still speaks English with his father.

In 2010, the Esbjerg talent was promoted to the senior squad in Esbjerg and had a few matches for the reserves. While, in his youth years Somers was playing on the centre midfield, Esbjerg coach Jess Thorup felt he was better on the left back:

"In his youth years he played on the midfield, and he is a player who has a future in that position. In his senior career,  he has been placed on the left back, because of his speed."

Somers himself, did not have a problem with the change of position:
"I like to play as a left back; I am used to be a midfielder where it is a bit crowded while, on the back, I have a much better overview of the pitch."

In 2012, the Esbjerg talent finally had his debut for the club against Blokhus FC in the Danish 1. Division. A moment that Somers had been waiting for and sees it as one of the biggest moments in his career.

However, since the debut it has only come to five appearances for Esbjerg. Given his age, 21, Steven Somers is hoping soon to have his breakthrough:
"It is about time, I play more regularly, and I hope that if I carry on working hard I will get my chance."

However, the player reveals that he might have to look for another club if he doesn't get some match experience in this season.

Jess Thorup acknowledge that Somers needs to have his breakthrough, but says that some players needs more time than others. However, the coach sees a great potential in his young defender.

Steven Somers will have his chance of convincing Thorup to use him in the starting eleven, when Esbjerg starts training after the winter break on Monday.