West Brom boss Mowbray sees Olsson 'getting there' on Premier learning curve
Apr 28 2009 by Robert Tanner, Birmingham Post
Life in the Premier League has been a steep learning curve for West Bromwich Albion’s young squad.
Some have struggled to adapt to life in the top flight, where mistakes are punished ruthlessly and without mercy, but a handful of Tony Mowbray’s inexperienced squad have shown signs that they can emerge as proven Premier League players in years to come.
One of those is centre-back Jonas Olsson. Although the Swede is not a young, raw player, the 26-year-old had never played at a standard close to the Premier League before.
Olsson began his career at Landskrona BoIS in his homeland before testing himself in Holland with NEC Nijmegen, where he was spotted by Mowbray.
After completing his £800,000 move last summer, Olsson has become the rock at the heart of the Baggies defence and has chipped in with a few vital goals as well, including the opener in the 3-0 victory over Sunderland last Saturday, a win that has given Albion a glimmer of hope.
Mowbray admits Olsson is not the finished article yet, as his clumsy challenge to hand Manchester City a penalty at Eastlands a week ago proved.
However, his two-month absence because of a knee injury earlier in the season was deeply felt by Albion and Mowbray believes the Swede could have a bright future over here.
