Rhein-Neckar Löwen Bolster Lineup with Mathias Larson Amid Juri Knorr Departure
The Rhein-Neckar Löwen are preparing for the upcoming departure of German national team playmaker Juri Knorr by securing the services of Danish star Mathias Larson. The 23-year-old will join the Bundesliga club from Norwegian powerhouse Elverum Håndball for the upcoming season.
Larson’s arrival is seen as a significant addition to the Löwen squad, complementing their existing lineup. "Mathias brings something to the table that we don’t have in our team yet," said Sporting Director Uwe Gensheimer in a club statement. "He will revitalize our game with his pace, especially in transition play, his strong one-on-one ability, and his excellent technical foundation."
Larson has been a standout performer for Elverum, leading the team in scoring over the past three seasons. Despite his impressive club form, he was surprisingly omitted from Denmark’s World Championship squad that triumphed in February.
His signing comes as the Löwen prepare for the departure of Knorr, who is set to join Danish top club Aalborg in the summer. Knorr has been a key figure for the Löwen, earning a reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in European handball.
While Larson is not a direct replacement for Knorr, he is expected to bring his own unique qualities to the Löwen attack. His ability to create chances for himself and others, as well as his quick release and accurate shooting, will be invaluable assets for the Bundesliga outfit.
The Löwen are eager to maintain their status as Bundesliga contenders and compete for trophies on all fronts. With the addition of Larson, they have secured a player who has proven his abilities at the highest level.
Mathias Larson: A Closer Look
Born in March 1998, Larson hails from Aarhus, Denmark. He began his handball career with his hometown club, Aarhus Håndbold, before moving to Kolding IF in 2017.
In 2019, Larson joined Elverum Håndball, where he quickly established himself as a key player. He was instrumental in Elverum’s Norwegian championship victory in 2020 and has been a consistent performer in the EHF Champions League.
Larson made his debut for the Danish national team in 2020 and has since earned 12 caps. He was part of the Danish squad that won the silver medal at the 2021 World Championship, but he did not play in the tournament.
Conclusion
The signing of Mathias Larson is a significant coup for the Rhein-Neckar Löwen. He is a talented playmaker with a proven track record at club level. With the departure of Juri Knorr looming, Larson will be tasked with providing creativity and leadership to the Löwen attack.
As the Bundesliga season approaches, the Löwen will be eager to integrate Larson into the team and build a cohesive unit capable of challenging for the championship. With his skillset and experience, Larson is sure to make a significant impact on the Löwen’s fortunes in the years to come.