Isac Lidberg moved from Division One to Eredivise.
Now the striker’s journey of success continues in the Go Ahead Eagles – which is now expected to extend with the former Hammarby player.
– It feels really good sitting in a good seat, he says.
Isac Lidberg’s somewhat unique football journey continues. He became a record youngster when he made his debut for Hammarby when he was aged 16, but he did not get a regular spot in the first team and after a string of credits he broke at Gefle IF in the first division.
From there he took the step to the Dutch Eredivisie and the Go Ahead Eagles, just over a year ago. A big move, but where Lidberg started now, after some time, he started in earnest. There were six goals last season and now the striker has already scored four and has won a key place for himself.
– It feels really good here in the Netherlands and I’ve had a really good time here so far. When I signed on to the Go Ahead Eagles, I didn’t even know what series they would be playing in.
– But they made it to Eredivise and that was perfect. Although the move from Gefle IF was a very big step to take Ajax away, he says.
What is the most difficult?
– It took a while to get to the pace and everything. I felt it took almost six months before I could handle matches. It was hot and we exercised a lot. Then it was also about learning the defensive game and the press.
– It was unusual at first.
“We aim to qualify for the European Games”
The 24-year-old has scored four goals and made one appearance in 12 games since the start this season, and although nothing is certain, the club is expected to extend the player, as his contract expires this summer.
– Now I feel so much better as if I’ve settled on it well. The speed, the stamina, the feeling of satisfaction even when I’m more involved in the defensive function and I also have the ability to do offensive runs and I really felt better and better with every game.
After a poor start, the Go Ahead Eagles have gone nine straight games unbeaten and face Vitesse in the next round.
We had a tough time initially with five teams in a row as we faced the top four teams in the league head on. But now we have nine matches without losing and we are satisfied. It’s looking bright and we’ve got a fairly new squad, new staff and we’re aiming to qualify for Europe next year.
What is the best so far?
It was great to face the big teams. Since I arrived, we have faced Ajax three times, won one and drew twice. This is a good result. But it is great to face them in front of 53,000 spectators. It’s a dream I’ve had since I was little and that we left Amsterdam Arena Points. This is the strongest memory I can have.
What is life like outside of football?
– He’s great and there’s nothing to complain about. Deventer is a small city where everyone loves football. Everyone talks about football here and it’s a public celebration every time we play.
Your contract expires this summer, how do you see the future?
The club has an option for another year of summer, but that’s not something I’m thinking about right now. I’m ready to stay this season, then we’ll see. I enjoy myself a lot here.
Have you ever thought of going back to Hammarby?
– No, it has not been relevant in recent years. Not now either. Now I have a taste of being here in the Netherlands and it’s going well, so I’m aiming to get out of Europe now and continue here.