Overview
Alexander Søderlund, born on August 3, 1987, in Haugesund, Norway, is a professional footballer who has primarily operated as a centre-forward throughout his career. Standing at 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in), Søderlund developed a reputation as a robust and physical presence upfront. His career has seen him play in his native Norway, as well as in France and Turkey, contributing goals and a strong aerial threat to his respective teams.
Position
As a forward, Søderlund has consistently been deployed as a central striker. His physical attributes lend themselves to leading the line, holding up play, and acting as a target man for long balls and crosses. While capable of linking up play, his primary role has often been to provide a focal point in attack and convert goal-scoring opportunities within the penalty area.
Identity
Søderlund's identity on the pitch is defined by his work rate, physicality, and ability to challenge defenders. He is often described as a traditional number nine, thriving in roles where he can occupy opposition centre-backs, win aerial duels, and create space for teammates. His commitment to pressing and defensive duties from the front has also been a hallmark of his game, making him a valuable asset in various tactical setups.
Career path
Alexander Søderlund's football journey began in Norway, progressing through various clubs before making a significant impact both domestically and internationally. His professional career officially began at FK Haugesund, his hometown club, where he spent his youth and early senior years. After a series of loans and spells at other Norwegian clubs, including Vard Haugesund and SK Brann, he truly established himself.
Rosenborg BK
His most successful period in Norway came with Rosenborg BK, which he joined in 2013 (Transfermarkt). With Rosenborg, Søderlund became a prolific scorer, playing a crucial role in their domestic success. He won the Norwegian Eliteserien title in 2015 and 2016, and the Norwegian Football Cup in 2015 (Wikipedia). His goal-scoring prowess earned him recognition as one of the league's top forwards during his tenure.
AS Saint-Étienne
Following his impressive performances in Norway, Søderlund moved to French Ligue 1 side AS Saint-Étienne in January 2016 (Transfermarkt). His time in France saw him compete at a higher level, featuring in both domestic league matches and European competitions, including the UEFA Europa League. While his goal return in France was not as prolific as in Norway, he continued to contribute with his physical presence and work rate.
1. FC Union Berlin
In January 2018, Søderlund transferred to German 2. Bundesliga club 1. FC Union Berlin (Transfermarkt). He spent a year in the German capital, looking to help the club achieve promotion to the Bundesliga. His period there added another European league experience to his diverse career.
Return to Rosenborg BK
Søderlund returned to Rosenborg BK in January 2019, where he once again found his scoring touch and contributed to the team's attacking efforts (Transfermarkt). This second spell reinforced his connection with the club and its supporters.
Later Career
Subsequently, Søderlund moved to Turkish Süper Lig side BB Erzurumspor in 2020. After his stint in Turkey, he moved back to Norway, joining FK Haugesund for a third spell in 2021 before moving to Ranheim Fotball in 2023 (Transfermarkt). As of May 2026, Søderlund is a free agent.
Playing style
Alexander Søderlund's playing style is characteristic of a traditional centre-forward, relying heavily on his physical attributes and predatory instincts within the box. Standing at 1.87 m, he excels in aerial duels, often winning headers to either score directly or flick on for teammates. This makes him a significant threat from set-pieces and crosses, providing a valuable outlet for his team to clear their lines or launch attacks.
His primary strength lies in his ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play. Søderlund possesses the strength to shield the ball from defenders, allowing midfielders to push forward and join the attack. This hold-up play is crucial for teams employing a direct style or those looking to relieve pressure by playing long balls to a target man.
While not known for blistering pace or intricate dribbling, Søderlund's movement off the ball is intelligent, particularly within the penalty area. He has a knack for finding pockets of space and getting into goal-scoring positions, often anticipating where the ball will fall. His finishing, particularly with his right foot, is clinical when given the opportunity, showcasing a striker's instinct for converting chances.
Beyond his attacking contributions, Søderlund also demonstrates a strong work rate and defensive commitment. He is often seen pressing opposition defenders and goalkeepers, forcing errors and contributing to his team's defensive shape from the front. This willingness to track back and engage in defensive duties adds another dimension to his game, making him a more complete forward than a pure fox-in-the-box.
Comparisons could be drawn to forwards who similarly combine physicality with a keen goal-scoring sense, such as Jan Koller in his prime or, more recently, target men like Olivier Giroud, though each player possesses unique facets to their game. Data from sources like FBref and Sofascore often highlight his aerial prowess and goal contributions, underscoring his effectiveness in his defined role.
Achievements & honours
Alexander Søderlund has accumulated several significant honours throughout his career, particularly during his impactful spells with Rosenborg BK in Norway. His time with the Trondheim-based club was marked by domestic dominance, both in the league and cup competitions.
Club Honours
| Club | Competition | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Rosenborg BK | Eliteserien (Norwegian League) | 2015, 2016 |
| Rosenborg BK | Norwegian Football Cup | 2015 |
His contributions to Rosenborg's success were instrumental, particularly in the 2015 season where he was a key figure in their league and cup double. These titles represent the pinnacle of his club achievements, solidifying his status as a key player in Norwegian football during that period (Wikipedia). While individual awards are not widely cited for Søderlund, his consistent goal-scoring and leading role for champion teams speak to his impact on the pitch.
International career
Alexander Søderlund represented the Norway national football team at senior level. His international debut came in 2012, and he went on to earn a number of caps for his country (FotMob). As a forward, he was often called upon to provide a physical presence and goal threat for the Lions.
Throughout his international career, Søderlund featured in various qualification campaigns for major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship. While Norway did not qualify for a major tournament during his most active period, Søderlund played a role in the team's efforts, contributing with his characteristic work rate and aerial ability.
His appearances for Norway often saw him leading the line, tasked with holding up play and creating opportunities for attacking midfielders and wingers. He faced strong competition for a starting spot in the national team, but his unique profile as a target man offered a different option for national team coaches. While specific goal counts for country are not consistently high for target men, his overall contribution to the team's tactical approach was valued (National Football Teams).
What makes Alexander Søderlund stand out
What makes Alexander Søderlund stand out is his unwavering commitment to the traditional centre-forward role, particularly his exceptional ability as a target man. In an era where many forwards prioritize pace and intricate footwork, Søderlund consistently excelled at the less glamorous, but equally vital, aspects of leading the line: winning aerial duels, holding up play, and providing a physical challenge to defenders. His strength and aerial prowess made him a constant threat from crosses and set-pieces, and a reliable outlet for his team to relieve pressure.
Furthermore, his work rate off the ball and defensive contributions are notable. Søderlund was not merely a static presence; he engaged in pressing, harrying defenders, and contributing to his team's overall defensive structure from the front. This combination of traditional striker attributes with a modern work ethic allowed him to be effective across different leagues and tactical systems.
"Søderlund's strength in holding up the ball and his aerial ability are invaluable for any team. He dictates the tempo in attack."