Fredrik Bjørkan - Left Back
- Footie Scout AI
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
If you’re looking for a left-back who blends Nordic tenacity with a surprising attacking spark — all wrapped in gold-and-yellow kit — meet Fredrik André Bjørkan. He’s one of the most interesting fullbacks in Norway right now. Let’s dive in.
From Bodø to Bodø (and Back Again)
Born 21 August 1998 in Bodø, Norway, Bjørkan stands about 1.80 m tall and — perhaps fittingly — began his career at hometown club FK Bodø/Glimt.
After making his league debut in 2016, he spent several seasons establishing himself, before a brief detour abroad: a short stint at Hertha BSC and a loan to Feyenoord in 2022.
In January 2023, he returned to Bodø/Glimt — and the reunion seems to have paid off.
Fredrik Bjørkan isn’t just another full-back in the Bodø/Glimt machine — he’s one of the key cogs that makes their high-octane, front-foot football actually work. A hometown product who grew up with the club’s identity carved into his DNA, Bjørkan brings a blend of tireless running, clean distribution, and fearless forward bursts down the left flank.
In a team built on relentless transitions, positional rotations, and quick, incisive passing, he provides both the stability in build-up and the spark in wide areas that Glimt rely on to stretch opponents and dominate territory. Whether he’s driving past a winger, recycling possession under pressure, or pushing into the final third to create overloads, Bjørkan is the kind of modern full-back who embodies the club’s identity: fast, brave, and constantly on the move.
Current Season Stats (Eliteserien 2025)
Matches | Started | Mins Played | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
29 | 29 | 2,464 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Fredrik Bjørkan’s 2025 season paints the picture of a modern, attack-minded left-back who contributes heavily to his team’s rhythm and width. Over the course of the campaign, he completed over 1,700 passes, maintaining a pass success rate above 90%, which places him among the most reliable distributors in his position across the league.
Shooting
Goals | 3 |
|---|---|
Expected goals (xG) | 1.84 |
xG on target (xGOT) | 2.29 |
Non-penalty xG | 1.84 |
Shots | 17 |
Shots on target | 9 |
Despite being a left-back, Fredrik Bjørkan has shown real sharpness in the attacking third this season. He registered 17 shots, with 9 on target, converting three and finishing with an xG of around 1.84. That may not sound explosive, but for a defender operating primarily from wide build-up zones, it reflects a player who times his late runs well and isn’t afraid to attack space when Glimt overload the opposite side. His shooting profile is less about volume and more about moment selection—arriving in good areas, taking clean touches, and striking when the defensive shape is stretched.
Passing
Assists | 2 |
|---|---|
Expected assists (xA) | 6.85 |
Successful passes | 1,834 |
Pass accuracy | 90.1% |
Accurate long balls | 44 |
Long ball accuracy | 41.9% |
Chances created | 32 |
Successful crosses | 19 |
Cross accuracy | 31.7% |
One of Bjørkan’s standout traits this season has been his reliability and consistency on the ball. With over 1,834 successful passes and a pass accuracy above 90%, he ranks among the most secure full-backs in the league. His passing style is calm, efficient, and perfectly in tune with Bodø/Glimt’s quick-possession patterns. He switches play, recycles possession under pressure, and forms a dependable link with the midfield triangle. While he isn’t a high-risk creator, he is a high-value facilitator—his steady passing provides the platform that lets Glimt’s attackers play with freedom.
Possession
Successful dribbles | 38 |
|---|---|
Dribble success | 51.4% |
Touches | 2,741 |
Touches in opposition box | 143 |
Dispossessed | 25 |
Fouls won | 54 |
Penalties awarded | 1 |
In terms of possession involvement, Bjørkan is one of the most heavily used players in Glimt’s structure. With 2,741+ touches and more than 38 successful dribbles, he plays a pivotal role in moving the ball up the pitch and keeping the team connected down the left. His ability to receive under pressure, step into midfield spaces, and drive forward ensures that Glimt maintain width and progression even when opponents choose to trap centrally. He isn’t flashy on the ball, but his rhythm, positioning, and constant availability make him essential to sustaining Glimt’s tempo.
Defending
Tackles | 50 |
|---|---|
Duels won | 150 |
Duels won % | 56.4% |
Aerial duels won | 8 |
Aerial duels won % | 25% |
Interceptions | 20 |
Blocked shots | 8 |
Fouls committed | 19 |
Recoveries | 112 |
Possession won final 3rd | 8 |
Dribbled past | 12 |
Defensively, Bjørkan brings a proactive, front-foot approach that suits Glimt’s aggressive pressing model. He has won 150 duels this season, showing good timing, strength, and anticipation both in wide 1v1s and during transitional defensive moments.
He presses early, steps high to intercept, and uses his pace to recover when needed. While he’s not a pure defensive specialist, his energy, reading of the game, and willingness to engage make him a reliable contributor in Glimt’s defensive structure, especially when the full-backs are asked to defend large open spaces.
Why Fredrik Bjørkan Would Be a Good Signing?
Fredrik Bjørkan would be an excellent signing as he offers the rare combination of experience, consistency, and modern full-back attributes at a very accessible price point. At 27, he’s entering his peak years, yet already has European experience, international caps, and deep tactical understanding from playing in one of Scandinavia’s most well-coached systems at Bodø/Glimt. His game is built on reliability: a 90%+ pass accuracy, strong duel-winning numbers, and huge involvement in build-up play make him the type of defender who instantly stabilizes a flank. He’s progressive without being reckless, capable of driving the ball forward, linking tightly with midfielders, and offering width and overlaps that stretch defensive blocks.
What makes him especially appealing is his tactical adaptability. Bjørkan can play in a possession-heavy setup, a transition-focused team, or even as a wing-back in a back five thanks to his stamina and forward instinct.
His moderate attacking output (3 goals, 2 assists) also shows he contributes in the final third without needing heavy touches or tactical protection.
Add in his work rate, discipline, and intelligent positioning, and you get a full-back who improves a squad immediately with minimal risk.
Financially, a market value around €2.50m makes him one of the most cost-effective left-backs in Europe with his pedigree.
For clubs seeking a low-risk, high-reliability, technically polished defender who fits the demands of the modern game, Bjørkan represents outstanding value. He’s the type of signing that doesn’t just plug a gap — he upgrades a flank, elevates build-up play, and brings a professional, team-first profile that top coaches love.
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