Analysis: Erik Thorstvedt on Bournemouth striker Josh King

Bournemouth striker Joshua King is bringing the best goalscoring form of his life to the Lane on Saturday - so we turned to Erik Thorstvedt to run the rule over his fellow Norwegian...

ERIK THORSTVEDT

- 218 appearances for Spurs, 1989-96
- FA Cup winner, 1991 - first Norwegian to lift the trophy
- Capped 97 times by Norway
- Played in 1994 World Cup
- Now a pundit and TV host in Norway

You would have no doubt monitored Josh King’s career from the youngster who initially signed for Manchester United in 2009 right up to now scoring regularly in the Premier League and representing Norway 27 times already – what have you made of his progress?
Erik: "His development has been close to sensational. He has always been a good player, but was far from prolific when it came to goalscoring. Twenty months ago he had scored six first team league goals - ever. He, and the coaching staff at Bournemouth, must take a lot of credit for improving that vital part of his game."

Below: Josh King takes on Paul Pogba in the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford

What do you see as his strengths?
Erik: "He has got real pace, and likes to take people on - he succeeds in a high percentage of his dribbles. But he also covers a lot of ground defensively (every manager's dream). Goalscoring-wise he now spends much more of his time in front of goal and inside the box, and has seen his figures rocket."

He’s in the form of his life at the moment, scoring goals week in, week out for Bournemouth since the turn of the year - nine in his last 11 in the Premier League - do you think there is plenty more to come as well?
Erik: "To maintain the sort of statistics he has had lately will be very hard, but whatever way you look at it: Joshua King is a really good player. I just hope that if a 'big' club comes in for him, they have a proper plan and don't end up just putting him in the reserves."

Below: King celebrates a goal against West Ham

We'd love to get your thoughts on Spurs at the moment...
Erik: "These are the good times! What a joy it is to be a Spurs fan. There is something extremely solid about this team, but it is an exiting team at the same time. To all players and staff - thank you! And keep it going!"

What are you up to at the moment Erik?
Erik: "I work on the Premier League for Norwegian television, so I get to see every Spurs match! But I also just had a few months hosting breakfast TV (up VERY early), and I was six weeks in Kenya and Nepal at the beginning of the year, leading a reality show."

Below: Erik holds the FA Cup aloft on the team's parade after our 1991 success

We've been asking fans for favourite memories of White Hart Lane - what would yours be?
Erik: "The Arsenal match is coming up soon, and I would say my first match against them (October, 1989, a 2-1 win) was the biggest one for me. Spurs hadn't won against Arsenal for a few matches, and the feeling beating them in front of our fans was unforgettable."