Frederik Rønnow: Who is the Union Berlin and Denmark goalkeeper?
Frederik Rønnow pulled off a string of stunning saves - including stopping a Luka Modrić penalty - as Union Berlin were edged 3-2 by Real Madrid in their final 2023/24 UEFA Champions League group game, but what else is there to know about the Danish goalkeeper?
*Data correct as of 15 December 2023
Age: 31
Club: Union Berlin
Position: Goalkeeper
Country: Denmark (eight caps)
Key stats
Rønnow put in a superlative performance as Union's maiden Champions League journey came to a close in defeat to the record European champions, saving six big chances on his goal, including the Modrić penalty and a Rodrygo header from point-blank range. It was a career high-water mark for Rønnow, who has had to take the tourist route to the top after breaking through with hometown team Horsens, with whom he made his Danish top-flight debut aged 19 back in 2012.
When Horsens were relegated to the second-tier in 2013, Rønnow, by this time Denmark's first-choice at U21 level, went on loan to Esbjerg for a year before joining regional giants Brøndby on a permanent basis. He kept 42 clean sheets in 120 games for them, winning the Danish Cup in 2018, before moving onto Eintracht Frankfurt.
Initially the No.1 in Hesse, Rønnow helped Frankfurt to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals in 2019, but gradually lost his place to Kevin Trapp before suffering Bundesliga relegation on loan at Schalke in 2021. He has rebuilt his career in the capital since, and this season boasts an average of three saves per game, despite Union's recent travails, which ultimately saw head coach Urs Fischer replaced by Nenad Bjelica last month.
Plays a bit like: Kevin Trapp
Trapp's qualities can be seen in Rønnow, who is another fine example of the Bundesliga's numerous great shotstoppers. He's also a commanding presence inside his own 18-yard box.
Watch: See how Frederik Rönnow compares to another of the Bundesliga's best stoppers, Gregor Kobel
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Did you know?
Rønnow has twice replaced Bayer Leverkusen's Lukáš Hrádecký in their careers. His move to Brøndby in 2015 was brought on after Hrádecký had left the club for Frankfurt, and when the Finn made the move to Die Werkself three years later, it was Die Adler who took a gamble on Rønnow's talent.
"I don’t know what the deal is with Lukas and me," Ronnow said in an interview during his time at Frankfurt, also admitting he does not enjoy beer as much as his teammate.
What they're saying
"He's got great reactions and his positioning is very good. He also exudes confidence - look at the way he comes to claim crosses. It's so important for a defence to be able to trust their goalkeeper like that." - former Union head coach, Fischer
"Frederik has put in some brilliant performances. He's a big reason why we have one of the best defences in the Bundesliga." - Union CEO Oliver Ruhnert, speaking during the 2022/23 season, when Die Eisernen topped the Bundesliga before finishing fourth
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