The first Stockholm derby in his career.
Anton Graden then immediately became the hero of the match.
– This tops everything, says the Djurgard striker.
Anton Graden has been signed by Djurgården after scoring 27 goals for Tingsried last season.
But the beginning in the capital was difficult. Before the derby against AIK, the 23-year-old from Örnsköldsvik had only scored once and was occasionally put in the fourth string.
He then charged forward and settled the Stockholm derby in a packed Globe Stadium with his 2-0 goal in a 3-1 win.
– It’s incredibly nice to start and score some goals again, says a relieved Graden to Sportbladet.
You’re here to do it, how important is scoring goals?
– Yes, this is the kind of game I play. Then it’s a little frustrating when you don’t get the disc. I’ve received it now against Brenas and here. It felt good during training too, so it’s nice to have that as a release.
Lyric: “Exceed Expectations”
I think your teammates talked about this derby?
– Yes, I saw last year’s match. I saw the highlights and some of the matches growing up as well. But it was incredibly wonderful and exceeded my expectations.
What about framing?
– Completely magical. I would say we have the best fans in Sweden.
How do you rate this match in your career?
-He tops everything. I haven’t played such big matches yet, so it’s definitely at the top of my list.
Djurgården’s pressure: “Big difference”
Djurgården entered the match with five consecutive defeats in the last six matches. He admits that there is a different pressure from outside when things go wrong for a top team like Djurgården.
– Sure, you’ll notice a big difference in how the atmosphere and pressure are everywhere. We lost a lot last year as well, but you didn’t feel the same pressure from outside when you got into the hall. But we have strong people in the group who support us younger ones. We will get through this, come out stronger and have one hell of a spring ahead of us.
Have you particularly liked any team-mates since coming to Djurgården?
– Marcus Kruger, what a leader. Just turn your back to him. He does everything perfectly.
Djurgården’s pressure: “Big difference”
Djurgården entered the match with five consecutive defeats in the last six matches. He admits that there is a different pressure from outside when things go wrong for a top team like Djurgården.
– Sure, you’ll notice a big difference in how the atmosphere and pressure are everywhere. We lost a lot last year as well, but you didn’t feel the same pressure from outside when you got into the hall. But we have strong people in the group who support us younger ones. We will get through this, come out stronger and have one hell of a spring ahead of us.
Have you particularly liked any team-mates since coming to Djurgården?
– Marcus Kruger, what a leader. Just turn your back to him. He does everything perfectly.
Djurgården Challenge
Djurgården have three wins after full-time so far: at home against Bjorklofen, Södertälje and AIK. Three so-called big meetings with huge popular support behind them.
Away to teams like Kalmar and Östersund there were losses and the next match awaits away from home.
Anton Graden also sees this pattern.
– That’s how it was. You prepare the same way no matter the match, but obviously it’s easier to play with the fans at your back. You don’t really get tired the same way when they’re standing up and screaming all the time. But we have to learn from it. All the teams in this league are good. We lost by 1% and there will be difficult matches, so we have to take that with us all the time.
