Tobias Gulliksen, began his professional career at Stromsgodset as a teenager. At just 16, he featured for the first team and at the age of 17 he became a regular starter. After impressing at a young age and climbing up the national team groups rapidly, Tobias got a move to Bodø Glimt in August 2023.
In terms of Gulliksen’s overall profile, he is a highly creative attacking midfielder who is usually deployed in the central areas as a number 10 or out wide, where he will look to drift into the central areas to offer another passing outlet. He is right footed and generally looks to always shift the ball to his preferred foot rather than using his weaker foot.
From a physical aspect, Gulliksen stands at approximately 177 cm, therefore he has quite a low centre of gravity that works particularly in the offensive pressing phases as it means he can carry the ball forward at speed and it is difficult for opponents to get a foot in and hassle him off the ball. The young midfielder frequently showcases his pace which allows him to accelerate away from opponents with a fair amount of ease.
Technically, he possesses some wonderful skills, his first touch is very good and often buys him a second or two to assess his options. He likes to operate just outside the area where he is able to execute powerful low drives on goal. In build up play, Gulliksen likes to operate on the right touchline and either looks for the simple pass or uses his flair to skip past his opposition. He thrives in 1v1 situations where he uses his speed and agility to change direction quickly and shows flair to take on his opponent.
Gulliksen is confident in receiving the ball under pressure and is able to navigate his way out of tricky situations. One potential weakness that has been noted is that he is perhaps not utilised as well on the right flank and does not have amazing crossing ability. He is potentially more suited in the middle of the attacking areas where he can use his passing and vision to prompt better attacking opportunities.
When Gulliksen drifts in centrally, he holds his position behind the two forwards and presses with fantastic intensity when the ball is in sight and in range. He always scans the pitch and is very aware of his surroundings. He shows excellent tactical intelligence as he positions himself well in both attacking and defensive phases. The young midfielder demonstrates his wonderful off-the-ball movement which often drags defenders out of position and creates space for his teammates. Moreover, his reading of the game often allows him to make important interceptions defensively.
His work ethic is on show throughout, particularly in transition phases where he tracks back very well to limit the opposition counterattack. Additionally, he will then sprint forward to offer an attacking outlet when his team regain possession.
Tobias Gulliksen has a very bright future and there would be no surprise if a team from the top five leagues comes calling for him. He does suit a team that presses and can give him the freedom to showcase his technical abilities. A top three team in the Eredivisie team would be a sensible next destination once he has gained enough experience with Bodø in Norway.
Target Scouting 