Jone Samuelsen

Jone Samuelsen (born July 6, 1984 in Stavanger) is a Norwegian football midfielder, who plays for Viking F.K.. Samuelsen is a creative player with good skills on the ball and stamina.

Samuelsen started his professional career with F.K. Haugesund in the Norwegian first division in 2001, and he was a regular in the Haugesund side throughout 2002 and 2003, during which time he also captained the Norwegian Under-19 international side. He played alongside another talented midfielder, Christian Grindheim.

He was brought to Viking during the 2003 season for more than NOK 2 million (£200,000), the second highest transfer fee ever paid by the club at the time. At Viking he was an instant hit, and he was called up to the Under-21 international squad on several occasions, even playing against the Brazilian U-21 squad among others where he had the responsibility to man-mark Kaká. However, the 2004 and 2005 seasons were less successful as he failed to secure a regular place in the side under Roy Hodgson. However, Vikings former coach Tom Prahl showed faith in him, and Samuelsen was a regular in the team lineup during the 2006 season.

He was also the captain of the U-19 team, and collected the 2002/03 U19 fairplay award on behalf of his country.

External links

* [http://www.viking-fk.no/newsread/news.asp?DOCID=10289&wce=spiller&n=5009 Samuelsen's profile at Viking's official page]