Mika Biereth, the former Arsenal striker, has quickly become one of the most lethal and efficient forwards in Ligue 1, establishing himself as a star for AS Monaco. The 22-year-old’s meteoric rise from being overlooked at Arsenal to tearing apart Ligue 1 has been nothing short of impressive. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting forward.
1. Arsenal Sold Mika Biereth for £4 Million
Arsenal made the decision to part ways with Biereth for a relatively low fee of £4 million, selling him to Austrian side Sturm Graz last summer. At the time, Biereth was not seen as a fit for Mikel Arteta’s system, and Arsenal believed they were making a smart move while securing a substantial sell-on clause. However, with injuries affecting the Gunners’ forward line, some Arsenal fans are now questioning whether they should have kept the young striker, given his rapid success in Ligue 1.
2. Biereth’s ‘Short-Term Memory’ Won Him a Move to Monaco
Biereth’s success in Monaco was no accident. The club, known for its careful scouting and data analysis, identified him as one of Europe’s most efficient forwards. His move to Monaco was finalized in January for a €15 million fee. What sealed his move was an intriguing conversation during negotiations. When asked how he reacts to missing a big chance, Biereth responded, “I have the worst short-term memory in the world.” This mentality of moving on quickly from missed opportunities was exactly what Monaco was looking for to replace the injured Folarin Balogun.
3. Biereth Could Play for Four Different Countries
Biereth’s international future is an intriguing one, as he could represent four different countries. Having played for Denmark at the U21 level, Biereth is also eligible to play for England, Germany, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. With his impressive rise, there’s growing anticipation that he will earn a senior call-up soon. The big question is which nation he will choose to represent on the international stage.
4. Biereth’s Rapid Monaco Start Broke a 70-Year Record
Biereth has made an explosive start to life in Ligue 1, netting a remarkable three hat-tricks in February alone. This made him the first player in 70 years to score three trebles in his first seven Ligue 1 matches. His exceptional ability to finish chances, bounce back from missed opportunities, and remain calm in front of goal has made him a fan favorite in Monaco.
5. Biereth’s Unconventional Path to the Top
Unlike many Premier League prospects, Biereth took a different route to reach the top. Born in London to a Danish-German father and a Bosnian mother, Biereth left Arsenal in search of first-team football. His journey took him through loan spells at RKC Waalwijk, Motherwell, and finally Sturm Graz, where he honed his skills and developed into the forward we see today. His experiences in different leagues and cultures have helped shape him into a versatile and adaptable striker.
6. Instrumental in Ending Red Bull Salzburg’s Austrian Dominance
Before joining Monaco, Biereth played a crucial role in Sturm Graz’s league and cup double. His contributions, including six goals and four assists, helped the team to break Red Bull Salzburg’s dominance of Austrian football. His performances in Europe were equally impressive, scoring goals against clubs like Girona and Lille, which demonstrated he was ready for a bigger stage and earned him a move to Ligue 1.
7. Biereth Could Form a Deadly Partnership with Folarin Balogun
Initially, Biereth was signed by Monaco to replace the injured Folarin Balogun. However, as Balogun’s recovery continues, there’s growing excitement that the two former Arsenal strikers could form a formidable attacking partnership. Biereth’s ability to time his runs and play off the last defender could complement Balogun’s technical skills and playmaking ability, making Monaco’s attack even more dangerous. The versatility of Balogun, who can also play as a left inside forward, offers Monaco’s manager, Adi Hutter, the option of accommodating both players in the same lineup.
8. A Hybrid of Harry Kane & Erling Haaland
Biereth has drawn comparisons to Premier League strikers like Jamie Vardy, thanks to his ability to exploit defensive gaps. When discussing his playing style, Biereth humorously referred to himself as “a st Haaland and a st Harry Kane” a hybrid of the two, but at a much lower level. While his self-assessment may be self-deprecating, his recent performances suggest he’s closing that gap faster than anyone expected. His movement, finishing, and composure in front of goal resemble that of the best forwards in Europe, and if he continues on this trajectory, he could soon be regarded as one of the best.
Mika Biereth’s rise from being a young player at Arsenal to Ligue 1’s top scorer is a testament to his resilience, adaptability, and determination. With Monaco’s faith in him paying off, the future looks incredibly bright for this talented forward.
