Pontus Wernbloom

Pontus Wernbloom

Wernbloom playing for CSKA Moscow in 2015
Personal information
Full name	Pontus Anders Mikael Wernbloom
Date of birth	(1986-06-25) 25 June 1986 (age 30)
Place of birth	Kungälv, Sweden
Height	1.87 m (6 ft 2 in)
Playing position	Central midfielder
Club information
Current team	CSKA Moscow
Number	3
Youth career
2001–2003	IK Kongahälla
2004–2005	IFK Göteborg
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2005–2009	IFK Göteborg	92	(26)
2009–2012	AZ	67	(7)
2012–	CSKA Moscow	132	(11)
National team
2006–2009	Sweden U21	24	(6)
2007–2016	Sweden	51	(2)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 30 November 2016.

Pontus Anders Mikael Wernbloom (Swedish pronunciation: ['vɛːɳ'blʊm]; born 25 June 1986 in Kungälv, Bohuslän) is a Swedish footballer who plays for CSKA Moscow in the Russian Premier League. He is regarded by fans as a 'fearless defensive midfielder who is very capable in the air as well as with his feet'.

After playing for local club Herrljunga SK, he joined the youth team of IFK Göteborg in 2004, before being promoted to the senior team in 2005. He quickly made a name for himself with his hard tackles, fighting spirit and generally fearless playing style. When Håkan Mild retired after the 2005 season, Wernbloom secured a place in the starting line-up. However, during the following season he struggled to retain his place as the club changed its playing style under new management. When striker Marcus Berg left to play for FC Groningen in the summer of 2007, Wernbloom switched to forward and was able to be a starter once again.

In April 2009, he signed a contract with Dutch club AZ. He made his Eredivisie debut against Heracles Almelo on 2 August 2009 and scored his first goal in a 3–3 draw away to VVV on 21 February 2010. Wernbloom scored a goal in both play-off round legs against Kazakh side FC Aktobe, helping his team to qualify for the group stage of the 2010–11 UEFA Europa League.

In January 2012, Wernbloom left AZ for signing a long-term contract with the Russian top club CSKA Moscow. Plagued by injuries, Wernbloom was plunged into the deep end against a highly favored Real Madrid side in the knockout stages of the Champions League. In the game against his alleged favorite club, he scored a dramatic half-volley in the dying minutes to equalize 1–1.