Fredrik Aursnes Earns Recognition as Football's Most Underrated Player

Fredrik Aursnes has been identified as one of modern football's most underrated talents, drawing comparisons with his former Molde teammate Erling Haaland during recent analysis by Norwegian and Portuguese media. The Benfica midfielder's rise contrasts sharply with Haaland's meteoric ascent to the Premier League elite.

The Molde Connection

Aursnes and Haaland's professional relationship began in 2017 when the Manchester City striker joined Molde's senior squad. The pair spent approximately eighteen months together at the Norwegian club, during which time Aursnes provided crucial support to Haaland's development. When Haaland departed for Red Bull Salzburg in summer 2018 and subsequently embarked on a rapid climb through European football, Aursnes remained in Norway until 2021, when he moved to Feyenoord before joining Benfica a year later.

Ruben Gabrielsen, a defender who shared dressing rooms with both players at Molde, offered perspective on their divergent paths in an interview with Norwegian publication VG. Gabrielsen expressed surprise that the same locker room would eventually produce both the world's best forward and the game's most underrated midfielder. He recalled a Europa League match against Zenit as a defining moment when everyone recognized Haaland's exceptional potential.

Aursnes' Understated Excellence

Born on 10 December 1995 in Hareid, the 1.80-meter-tall midfielder operates from the right flank but has become known for his ability to perform effectively across multiple positions. At Benfica, he has shifted between center midfield, both wing positions, and defensive roles without significant drops in output. During the Portuguese top division season, Aursnes recorded 3 goals and 3 assists across 28 matches, with a career total of 14 goals in 200 appearances for the club across all competitions.

According to Gabrielsen, what distinguishes Aursnes is his refined game reading, defensive contributions, and collective impact—elements that remain largely invisible in traditional statistics. Both Haaland and Aursnes possessed significant presence on the pitch, though their personalities and priorities diverged. Haaland's singular focus on scoring goals contrasted with Aursnes' broader field awareness. Gabrielsen noted that both players demonstrated strong humor and interpersonal skills despite their different approaches to the game.

Aursnes consulted Haaland before officially returning to the Norwegian national team in February, maintaining their professional connection from their Molde days. The midfielder's recognition reflects growing appreciation for tactical versatility and structural contribution in modern football analysis.