Niklas Moisander: Finland's fearless leader

Finland is visiting Rijeka without several important names, but the experienced captain Moisander will once again lead his teammates following the successful recovery. Moisander pursued his career in famous Ajax academy, and gradually progressed through Finland youth categories.

He made the first football steps alongside his twin brother Henrik at TPS, in his native Turku, where he soon joined senior ranks. At 18 years of age, his quality was recognized by Amsterdam giants. Even though he won titles with Ajax junior side, he was transferred to league rivals Zwolle and AZ.

In both teams, Moisander evolved into a reliable element of defensive lines, and in 2009 he won a historic league title with AZ, alongside the domestic Supercup, and later tasted Champions League football. Therefore, Ajax re-signed him in 2012 for three million euros, and Moisander enjoyed two more Eredivisie celebrations.

These years saw Moisander win four Finnish Player of the Year awards - two by Finnish FA, two by sports journalists - and upon contract expiry in Ajax, he joined Sampdoria in Serie A. Since 2016, Moisander defends Werder Bremen colours, and was quick to acquire the vice-captain role.

Moisander (59 caps) is playing for his country ever since the first U-15 appearance. His senior debut came in 2008, in a friendly match against Turkey. Just a year later, he scored his first international goal and secured Finland a World Cup qualifying victory against Wales (2:1). His only other Finland goal was recorded in Moisander's hometown, in a friendly win over Slovenia (2:0).

In 2013, his Finland side managed to draw (1:1) in a Gijon qualifier against reigning European and world champions Spain. Moisander explained the attitude he exerts in each and every match: "We wanted to show miracles can happen and we did so".

He can admit defeat only when his opponents proves the superiority on the field of play. "We must not show too much respect or play cautiously. If we are scared then we will definitely lose", Moisander said on the eve of visiting FC Barcelona. The captain will definitely use the same approach at Rujevica Stadium.

Copyright by Croatian Football Federation. Quoting text from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to HNS as a source and providing direct link to the original content at hns.family. Re-use of the photographs is not permitted.