The Norwegian wonderkid has had a slow start on Teesside
08:00, 12 Dec 2025
Sverre Nypan of Middlesbrough celebrates at full time
Sverre Nypan of Middlesbrough celebrates at full time(Image: Anna Gowthorpe/Shutterstock)
Liverpool and Norway legend John Arne Riise believes Sverre Nypan’s loan at Middlesbrough was the perfect move for him, even if he’s currently struggling to make a major impact.
Nypan was an exciting summer signing for Boro, joining on loan from Manchester City just a month after the Norwegian wonderkid made a big-money switch to the Etihad from Rosenborg.
While there have been the odd flash of his technical ability, the youngster has so far struggled to make a major impact on Teesside, however.
Clearly still trying to get used to the tempo and physicality of the Championship, the 18-year-old has made only three starts for Boro so far.
But backing the loan move, his fellow countryman Riise is hoping he can come through the tough start to show his true potential at the Riverside, before returning to City to continue his rise towards becoming a star.
Riise told Foot Italia: “Oh, he’s a great player, but I think the step from Rosenborg to Manchester City is big. Obviously, Middlesbrough is a step up too.
“It’s a big club in its own right, and he’s done well so far. He’s a great player. He’s got the technique, good vision, and he’s a smart player. He would suit the style of Pep’s football perfectly.
“But whether he’s good enough or has the right physique for the very top, I’m not quite sure yet. I think also that’s why they sent him on loan to Boro, to see how he handles that kind of physical side of the game.
“But obviously he’s a good player, but I’m still not quite sure how good he will be for Man City because he needs to grow and, and get to a higher level.
“He’s a young player so he’s going to have a great career in front of him. Hopefully he will be successful at Man City.”
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