Jonas Olsson

Jonas Olsson (born 10 March 1983) is a Sweden footballer who currently plays for West Bromwich Albion F.C..

Football career

Club career

Olsson is a defender who was born in Landskrona and made his debut in professional football, being part of the Landskrona BoIS squad in the 2003 season. Olsson is considered to be a very tough defender. He plays as central or left defender. He considers fellow Swedish defender Olof Mellberg to be an inspiration.

Two years later he was sold for 750.000 euro to Dutch side NEC Nijmegen. While playing in Sweden Olsson was known for his physical play and in 2004 he was the player who picked up the most warnings that year. Playing for NEC Nijmegen evolved his game and the warnings became a thing of the past. Olsson himself says that the Dutch ”one against one approach” to defense has improved his game.

He was linked with a move to the English Premier League several times with Bolton Wanderers F.C., Middlesbrough F.C., Newcastle United F.C. and Everton F.C.. Olsson scored one goal in the Eredivisie in 2007-08.

On 22 August 2008 Olsson was linked with a move to West Bromwich Albion F.C..
On 29 August 2008 West Bromwich Albion confirmed his signing subject to a medical for an initial fee of £800,000 with a possible £360,000 of performance related add ons.

Olsson made his first appearance, starting against West Ham United F.C. on 14 September 2008. He scored his first goal for West Brom, in a 1-0 win away to Middlesbrough.

International career

While Olsson has played many matches for the Swedish under 21-squad, he has yet to break into the senior squad. Roland Andersson, the assistant coach to the national team has observed Olsson on several occasions as of late.

Personal life

When not playing football, Olsson enjoys playing the guitar. He lists The Rolling Stones, Oasis, Babyshambles and The Who as some of his favourite bands.