Profile: Petteri Pennanen | Hyderabad FC's versatile midfielder

Petteri Pennanen has a wide range of skill set which can impact Hyderabad FC this season.

Hyderabad FC continue to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season with the latest addition of Finnish midfielder Petteri Pennanen. The 32-year-old veteran, boasting an impressive career with over 380 appearances, has now signed a one-year deal with HFC for the 2023-24 Indian Super League season. Pennanen's wealth of experience and midfield prowess will undoubtedly bolster Hyderabad FC's line-up, further enhancing their list of talented overseas players.

With his signing, the club aims to solidify their midfield and build a competitive team ready to challenge in the upcoming season. Hyderabad FC fans can eagerly anticipate the impact of Petteri Pennanen as he joins the ranks of the “Yellow and Black Army" for the upcoming Indian football campaign.

Let's delve into the striking prowess and impact the midfielder brings to the team.

Prior Experience

Petteri Pennanen's football journey began at his local club KuPS, where he made his senior debut at the tender age of 16 on 29th April 2007. Within a month, he earned his first start, showcasing his immense potential. In February 2009, Pennanen secured a two-year contract with the Dutch team Twente. However, despite the move to the Netherlands, he did not make any first-team appearances for Twente and subsequently left the club in winter 2011, opting to join TPS.

Over the years, Pennanen's football adventure took him to various destinations, including Indonesian Liga 1 club Persikabo 1973, and USL Championship side Sacramento Republic in 2021. Last couple of years, he was a key player for Ilves, making 38 appearances and making a notable impact from midfield with an impressive tally of 13 goals.

Petteri Pennanen's footballing journey has been a globetrotting adventure, taking him to various countries across continents. From playing in the Netherlands with Twente and venturing to Poland, the USA with Sacramento Republic, Indonesia with Persikabo 1973, and now India with Hyderabad FC, his career has been marked by international experiences and diverse football cultures.

Type of Player

Petteri Pennanen's footballing prowess shines through his exceptional shooting from distance, a skill that makes him a potent threat when given time and space around the opposition box. Equally proficient with both feet, he can unleash powerful shots on target. Additionally, Pennanen's intelligent runs into the opposition box allow him to capitalize on crosses and score crucial goals.

At Ilves, his goal-scoring ability was evident with an impressive return of 0.35 goals per 90 minutes, underscoring his proficiency in finding the back of the net. Not limited to scoring, Pennanen's capabilities extend to receiving the ball under pressure in midfield. He demonstrates excellent composure to either maintain possession with a precise pass or advance the ball forward himself. His set-piece expertise is noteworthy, as he can deliver dangerous crosses during corners.

With a multifaceted skill set, Petteri Pennanen's contributions on the pitch are set to add a dynamic dimension to Hyderabad FC's midfield and attacking prowess in the upcoming season.

What he brings to the team

In a notable loss during the summer transfer window, Hyderabad FC bid farewell to their influential midfielder, Borja Herrera, as he joined East Bengal. Borja's impact on the team was evident through his stellar performances, contributing an impressive tally of four goals and five assists in 20 matches. Now, Hyderabad look toward their latest signing, Petteri Pennanen, to step up and fill Borja's shoes in midfield.

Pennanen's arrival is seen as crucial for Hyderabad's ambitions in the upcoming season. With his experience of playing in various leagues around the world, the 32-year-old midfielder is expected to adapt swiftly to the Indian football scene. The club management believes that his diverse footballing journey, including stints in the Netherlands, Poland, the USA, Indonesia, and most recently Finland, will help him make a seamless transition.

The pressure on Pennanen is substantial, as Hyderabad FC will count on him to replicate Borja's vital contributions from midfield. Alongside talented midfielders Hitesh Sharma and Sahil Tavora, the Finnish maestro is expected to enhance the team's attacking flair.

As Hyderabad FC aim to clinch the coveted ISL accolade(s), the club's hopes are pinned on Pennanen's expertise in the middle of the park. His addition is anticipated to inject the much-needed quality and dynamism to the team's gameplay, enhancing their chances of achieving glory in the upcoming Indian Super League season.