Katrina Guillou: What will she bring to Hammarby's play?
There are many leagues around Europe that are capable of providing fans with plenty of excitement on a weekly basis, and one that never fails to deliver when it comes to all-out action is the Damallsvenskan, with the Swedish top flight containing some strong match-ups every week and seen by many players as one of the best divisions in which to put their individual capabilities to the test.
In 2023, it was a league that provided fans with one of the biggest stories outside of the continent’s main divisions, with Hammarby lifting the league trophy for the first time since 1985 (their only other domestic top flight triumph) and really announcing themselves as one of the country’s teams to beat.
It was a title that many felt was richly deserved and which really shook up the Swedish game, with them almost coming from nowhere to get their hands on the trophy, and it largely came down to them building a squad that could deliver on their tactical vision and that would have the ability to work together for a common cause.
Whilst there were plenty of celebrations over their triumph, attention is now firmly on the 2024 campaign and the question of defending their title, and that will prove to be no easy feat. For one thing, they have lost some of the key players who proved to be so integral to that success, and so they have needed to add new faces to their ranks, meaning that time and patience will be required as they settle into their new surroundings.
However, it is a challenge that they have taken on with enthusiasm and they have certainly added some outstanding players to replace those that have moved on, and one of the new arrivals that has caught the eye for a number of reasons is experienced Philippines international Katrina Guillou.
Hammarby’s style of play
Before looking at why she is such an interesting addition though, it is important to first gain an understanding of Hammarby’s brand of football and why they are quickly garnering a reputation as one of Sweden’s most exciting teams.
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