By Gareth James
Cardiff City boss Omer Riza believes new loan signing Sivert Mannsverk will provoke a rise in standards among his squad.
Norwegian midfielder Mannsverk, 22, has become Cardiff’s second capture of the January transfer window after moving from Ajax.
The move is a chance for the Norway U21 international to gain some much-needed game time after an injury-plagued first half of the season.
But now fit, Riza is convinced Mannsverk can help increase competition for places as the Bluebirds continue to try and pull further away from the relegation zone.
“Players always yearn for competitiveness.,” said Riza.
“An extra addition in there will hopefully push our players, who have done excellently so far, to be even better. It will push Sivert as well.
“Our players that are coming in are coming into a group that is very close and working hard. They need to show they can be a part of that and I’m sure they will do.”
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Norwegian midfielder Sivert Mannsverk has joined the #Bluebirds on loan from @AFCAjax! #CityAsOne pic.twitter.com/thKdrchNPW
— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) January 28, 2025
Mannsverk is Cardiff’s second signing of the window after striker Yousef Salech, and could make his debut at Leeds United in Saturday’s Championship game.
Riza added: “He’s very hungry and wants to do well, he’s a good quality player in midfield and is someone that will really add to the squad.
“Defensively, he is strong and powerful, he’s good in duels and will protect the back four really well. He senses danger and his positioning is good.
“Attacking-wise, he can get himself out of tight situations with his technical ability and can drive forwards with the ball from deep areas, taking players out of the game and allowing us to attack with more players.
“He’s got good qualities in and out of possession, a strong boy, powerful and a good engine on him. All-round, he’s a very good player who will add to our squad.”
Mannsverk had a promising start to his career at Norwegian club Molde and managed to earn a £5m move to Ajax two years ago.
But his progress at the Dutch giants has been slowed by an ankle injury that has restricted him to just two games so far this season.
“This is a big challenge for me,” said Mannsverk.
“That’s also why I wanted to take this challenge, because I like challenges. The Championship is a tough league, a robust league, so hopefully it fits my type of play.
“I would describe myself as a technical and tactical player. I also have a robustness in me, which you need to play in the Championship. I also want to give this team technical ability with my skills.
“I know Cardiff City is a huge club. In the past, they have played a lot of Premier League football.
“I’m from Norway and Norwegians are very into English football. I really wanted to try it, and coming to Cardiff City was an easy decision.”