A true colossus at the back, his calm authority, exceptional reading of the game, and leadership made him a Bundesliga legend with Werder Bremen. Career record: 60 caps and 4 goals for Norway; club career at Nidelv IL, Rosenborg BK, SV Werder Bremen.
One rank above: Martin Ødegaard at #2.
One rank below: Erik Thorstvedt at #4.
Norway's editorial top five: Erling Haaland · Martin Ødegaard · Rune Bratseth · Erik Thorstvedt · John Arne Riise.