Johannes Yli-Kokko
Johannes Yli-Kokko (born 24 August 2001) is a Finnish footballer who plays for League of Ireland Premier Division club Dundalk FC on loan from HJK.
Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Date of birth | 24 August 2001 | ||
Place of birth | Espoo, Finland | ||
Height | 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in) | ||
Position(s) | Attacking midfielder | ||
Team information | |||
Current team | Dundalk (on loan from HJK) | ||
Number | 20 | ||
Youth career | |||
-2021 | HJK | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
2019–2022 | Klubi 04 | 30 | (6) |
2022– | HJK | 17 | (1) |
2023– | → Dundalk (loan) | 28 | (3) |
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 6 October 2023 |
Career
Yli-Kokko came through the youth academy and reserve team of HJK Helsinki, Klubi 04, before making his debut for the Veikkausliiga side in the 2022 season. Yli-Kokko made 17 appearances for the Helsinki club in his first season of senior football, which included a stunning debut goal against VPS[1] He also made appearances during HJK Helsinki's 2022–23 Champions League campaign.[2] Following several good performances in the league and continental competition, Yli-Kokko was rewarded with a two-year contract extension to the end of 2024.
In January 2023, shortly after signing his extension with HJK, it was announced that Yli-Kokko has been loaned to League of Ireland Premier Division side Dundalk.[3]
Style of play
Yli-Kokko is an attacking midfield player with expansive and creative style of counter-attacking transition. He is noted for being able to take play from the center of the park and push opposition players and defenders out wide allowing strikers and supporting players to move into central attacking arrears around the penalty box. [4]
References
- Moilanen, Mika (16 July 2022). "Johannes Yli-Kokko fired the kick-off for HJK's victory over VPS – Malik Abubakari scored in his debut" (in Finnish). Helsigin Sanomat. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
- Corrigan, Colin (21 February 2023). "Finnish arrival as Dundalk add another loan signing to their ranks". LM FM. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
- "HJK lends Johannes Yli-Kokon, 21, to Ireland". mtvuutiset. 20 February 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
- O'Connor, Sean (21 February 2023). "Dundalk swoop to sign Johannes Yli-Kokko on loan from Finnish champions HJK Helsinki". Independent.Ie. Retrieved 5 May 2023.