He’s scored against Manchester United, played in the UEFA Champions League and has won titles in his native Denmark, here are few things you may not know about new City defender Michael Jakobsen.
Equipped to excel in the A-League.
Following the retirement of captain Patrick Kisnorbo and the departures of Alex Wilkinson and Aaron Hughes, Jakobsen will provide Head Coach John van’t Schip with an experienced option in the heart of defence.
At 30 years of age, Jakobsen is enjoying his best footballing years and will provide healthy competition for the established central defensive pairing of Connor Chapman and Osama Malik.
His versatility is another added bonus, with the left-footer also capable of occupying both full-back positions.
Aalborg’s hero at the Theatre of Dreams.
Not many players in the Hyundai A-League can say they have scored against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
In 2008, City’s new signing managed to do just that. Trailing 1-0 in the final match of the UEFA Champions League group stages, it was Jakobsen who dragged Danish side Aalborg BK back into the contest, flicking a neat header past Tomasz Kuszczak to level the scores.
The match ended in a 2-2 draw, with Jakobsen’s goal against the Champions League holders helping AaB secure third place in the group and a spot in the knockout stages of the UEFA Cup.
A Champion in Denmark
Jakobsen was touted as an emerging star during a successful five-year stint at Aalborg BK. The defender was a marvel of consistency as the club coasted to the Danish Superliga title in 2006/07, with his performances attracting interest from several clubs in England and Germany.
After making 153 appearances for AaB, Jakobsen opted to continue his career in Spain’s La Liga by joining UD Almeria in 2013.
Two Great Dane’s are better than one.
Jakobsen’s transition to life in Melbourne will be aided by the presence of a familiar face at the City Football Academy.
The defender was once a national teammate of City goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen, having earned five senior appearances for Denmark since 2009.
Sorensen’s presence around the training grounds will provide Jakobsen with a helping hand in adjusting to his new surroundings, in what could be the beginning of a formidable Danish pairing.
Player Profile
Michael Jakobsen
DOB: 02/01/1986
Country: Denmark
Position: Central Defender
Preferred foot: Left
Previous clubs: PSV Eindhoven (Holland), Aalborg BK (Denmark), UD Almeria (Spain), FC Copenhagen (Denmark), FC Nordsjaelland (Denmark), Esbjerg fB (Denmark), Lillestrom SK (Norway)
International caps: 5
Accolades: Danish Superliga (2006/07, 2012/13)
