Kim Källström: Euro 2008 Profile

By: Troy Muxlow
Soccer City FC

I'd like to introduce you to another exciting footballer of the world. You might hear the name Kim Källström and think to yourself, "Is she hot?" Well the Swedes are apparently not too self-conscious when it comes to masculinity. In Sweden, Kim is a boy's name, and this boy can play.

If you aren't a follower of the French Ligue 1 Orange, or the Swedish Landslaget (National Team), Kim Källström has probably flown under your radar. The 25 year phenom is best known for his technical passing and playmaking ability. But what excites me about him is his cannon left foot, which just might rival Roberto Carlos in terms of shooting power. At least first string Swedish keeper Andreas Isaksson, who was knocked unconscious by a Källström strike during training, might agree.

To those American soccer fans, key in Kim Källström on YouTube, and you'll see exactly what you dream of Justin Mapp being. The way the two players knife through defenders…plural, is very similar. They even look alike! However, unlike the Brandon, Mississippi native, Källström appears to have the drive, focus, and top level training that Mapp is lacking. After a superb season at Olympique Lyonnais, it shows in Kallstroms consistency.

Sweden kicks off against Greece at 20:45 local time in Salzburg, Austria on June 10th. If you catch the lone Scandinavian qualifying team in action, you are likely to see Källström playing in the space behind forwards Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Johan Elmander, and in front of the rest of the Swedish midfielders. Kallstrom is often called on to take Swedish free kicks, so in any given match he should have sufficient opportunity to unleash some left-footed knucklers that would make Kenan Thompson's Mighty Ducks II character jealous.

This summer, lets all cross our fingers together for one thing…the type of animalistic crackers that bend one way before they cut the other, rendering keepers completely useless. And don't be surprised if one of these blasts is delivered by my BOY, Kim.