2. Bundesliga
Who is Nils Fröling?
Hansa Rostock have bolstered their hopes of avoiding an immediate drop back down to Germany’s third division by signing US-born winger Nils Fröling from Swedish top-flight side Kalmar FF.
bundesliga.com takes a closer look at the Texas native…
Nils Fröling
Age: 21
Club: Hansa Rostock
Position: Left winger
Country: Sweden (six U21 caps), USA
Key stats
Fröling has been in the professional game for a number of years already, despite still being just 21. He made 10 appearances in Sweden’s second division for Atvidabergs FF as a 17-year-old in 2017, and although the team were relegated at the end of that season, the red-haired winger had done enough to attract the attention of top-tier outfit Kalmar.
He made his debut for the side in April 2018 and even scored the only goal of the game on his second appearance a couple of weeks later in a victory over Sirius, the first of two senior strikes in that campaign.
Fröling went on to add another 15 goals and five assists to his name across 88 competitive outings for Kalmar, before Hansa came calling in December 2021, handing him a contract valid until 30 June 2025.
Plays a bit like: (A young) Cristiano Ronaldo
Comparing anyone to one of the greatest players of all time is a tricky business, let alone an up-and-coming youngster in Germany’s second tier, but there are nevertheless undeniable similarities. Ronaldo started out on the wing, comfortable on either flank, and gained a reputation for his pace, dribbling ability and direct running.
So too, Fröling. Standing at 6’0”, he has a similarly muscular frame to the Portuguese superstar and uses his physicality to get the better of opposition defenders. A right-footer who plays predominantly on the left wing, Hansa’s new No.15 likes to drive forward, is unafraid to shoot and is also decent in the air.
Did you know?
Although Fröling has already made six U21 appearances for Sweden, he is also eligible to represent the USA. Born in Dallas, Texas, to Swedish parents in April 2000, he spent the first seven years of his life in North America before moving to Sweden. As he is yet to represent the Scandinavian country at senior international level, he could theoretically still don the Stars and Stripes in future… are you watching Gregg Berhalter?
What they’re saying
"I’m physical, quick, confident with the ball." – Fröling on his qualities
“We’ve been keeping tabs on Nils for a long time. We’ve signed a technically gifted and very quick player with plenty of potential. He’s good in one-on-ones and has a good shot. Despite being just 21 he’s already got a lot of experience in senior football and he’s a very good fit for our style of play.” – Martin Pieckenhagen, Hansa board member for sport
“I’m delighted the move to Hansa has gone through. I really liked the club’s playing philosophy and mentality and I’ve already heard a lot about the fantastic support from the fans, and their high expectations. I’ll do everything I can to live up to them.” - Fröling on his move to Hansa