The name of Kristian Pedersen is certainly not one most fans have heard of, but with the club said to be interested in signing the Dane, I thought it would be a good idea to do a small profile of who we could be signing. So here are four facts about him:
1) He has played in the second tier in two different countries
The defender was born in Ringsted in his native Denmark and played for his local side. However, he was snapped up by Danish second division side HB Koge in 2014. He spent two years in the first team, making 63 appearances, mostly as a left back.
His performances got him a move to German Bundesliga-2 side Union Berlin, where he has been a regular at left back during both his two seasons at the club. His side finished fourth during his first campaign and eighth last season.
2) He has played for Denmark’s Under 21 side
During his second season at Koge, he was capped at Under 21 level for the first time in a friendly against Ukraine. He played five times in total. Now 23 years of age, he hasn’t been capped by the senior side yet but he has time on his side.
He is reportedly keen to leave Union Berlin, most likely to boost his chances of playing for his country.
3) He is a defender first and foremost
At 6ft 2, Pedersen is a relatively tall full-back. His primary strengths also lie in defensive areas. He is strong in the air and a good tackler. Whoscored also scored him highly in concentration, ball interception and making blocks. He should, therefore, be a strong, dependable presence at the back.
4) He can play at left back and left midfield
Despite being a strong defender, he has been played as a wing back and as a winger on occasion by Union Berlin this season. He played nine times further up the pitch as the German side switched to a 3-5-2 formation.
His one goal last season in the 2-1 win over Sandhausen came whilst playing as a wing back. He also provided four assists for his team-mates.