Patrik Gunnarsson is a professional goalkeeper for Brentford FC who has also represented Iceland at all youth levels.

Here, the talented young goalkeeper talks about playing in the UEFA Youth League, making his senior team debut at Brentford and representing Iceland at youth level, among other things.

Your father was a professional goalkeeper himself; how did that influence your career?

“Of course, it helped me to get more interested in football when I was younger, he taught me the basics of goalkeeping at a young age.
He was a good influence for me at a young age, he always motivated me, and I always wanted to get further than him in my football career.”

Growing up, who has been your role model in the footballing world?

“Growing up it was Edwin van der Sar, because I am a Manchester United fan.”
“I was also really inspired by Manuel Neuer. But after I moved to Brentford, I have been watching Ederson and Marc Andre Ter Stegen a lot because of their style of play.”

You played in the UEFA Youth League aged just 15 for the Breiðablik U-19 team, how did it feel to play in such a prestigious competition at such a young age?

“It was a fantastic experience and those games were a big part of why Brentford signed me.”
“I was very young back then, but I was used to playing and training with older players. Looking back, it is crazy to think that I was playing against the likes of Matthijs De Ligt, Justin Kluivert and so many other players that are now playing for the biggest teams in the world.”

You were part of the Brentford squad that won the 2018-19 Middlesex Senior Cup, how did it feel to win the first silverware of your career abroad?

“It was great feeling to win my first silverware abroad with Brentford.”
“We had a very strong squad that season and we were focussed on our goal of reaching the finals in both the cup competitions that were participating in.
We managed to reach our goals but ended up winning one final and losing the other so first and second place in two difficulty cup competitions was good in the end, winning silverware wasn’t something new for me though I was used to winning silverware back in Iceland with my previous club, we had the best team and used to win almost every trophy.”

You came on as a substitute to make your first-team debut for Brentford in a memorable 2-1 win over Middlesbrough in March 2019, what was going through your mind when you were asked to be subbed on and how did it feel?

“I was very nervous when I was warming up and getting ready to get on the pitch but once the game started again it felt good. I was very focused and tried to keep things simple.
The added time was 8 minutes, but it felt like it went on for more than 20 minutes.
I will never forget the feeling when the referee blew the full-time whistle and we won 2-1, it was a very special moment for me.”

You've had the honour of representing Iceland at youth level, what do you think is it about wearing the National team jersey that makes it so special?

“Playing for my country is always an honour, I’m thankful that I got to play for my national team at every youth level. At the moment, I’m playing with the U21 National team and doing well.
I was selected for two friendly games in January with the senior national team, I did not get my first game which was a bit disappointing but it was a good experience to travel with the senior team and train with the players that I have been watching for the last 5-8 years.”

Six Questions: Patrik Gunnarsson of Brentford FC.