THE NAME TOMAS BROLIN probably brings back memories for Premier League fans who can recall the Swede’s turbulent and ill-fated spells with Leeds United and Crystal Palace between 1995 and 1998.
But, between 1990 and 1994, he was a terrific player and illuminated the World Cups in both Italy and the USA with a great Swedish team while helping Parma develop into one of the best European sides of that era.
After helping his country finish third in the world in ’94, Brolin began to struggle with fitness issues and Parma began to leave him out of the side. When Leeds brought him to Elland Road in November 1995, he was arguably already on the wane despite being in his mid-twenties. In two years, he made 20 appearances and his relationships with both Howard Wilkinson and George Graham were disastrous.
He joined Palace in early 1998 and played 13 times. He announced his retirement later that year.