Having played under Roy Hodgson at Viking FK, Brede Hangeland, complete with Champions League experience, signed for the Whites at a time that was best described as precarious.
In a baptism of fire, Hangeland was thrown in at the deep end and pitched straight into a series of must-win matches as the Club set about its ‘Great Escape’.
And since his move from FC Copenhagen in January 2008, the 28-year-old has become an inspirational figure at the heart of the Whites’ defence and one half of one of the most impressive defensive pairings alongside Aaron Hughes – forging a collaboration built on resilience, equanimity and two astute footballing minds.
Despite his towering frame Hangeland offers somewhat unexpected elegance on the ball and an unflappable demeanour; as comfortable on the ground as he is bounding into aerial combat or shrinking opposition forwards down to size with another timely intervention or last ditch tackle.
Hangeland is now widely considered as one of the best centre-backs in the Barclays Premier League. It is little coincidence that Hangeland’s rise as one of the most highly-regarded defenders in the English top-flight has transpired alongside the Club’s own progression -the captain of Norway is a player that embodies the transformation under Roy Hodgson.
On the 27th November 2009 Brede was rewarded with a new deal that will see the Norwegian captain at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2013.
Hangeland has once again proved integral to Fulham's success this season across the Club's Premier League and cup campaigns. Notably the Norwegian scored the all-important goal against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Donbass Arena which sealed Fulham's win over last year's UEFA Cup winners.