Matt, thanks for joining us. You’re a former pro goalkeeper, now coaching the U19 and U17 keepers at Malmö FF academy, plus providing goalkeeping analysis for The Athletic. Melker Ellborg is someone you know inside out from daily training — what’s his story at Malmö, and how did this rapid rise happen in the last 12 months?
Matt Pyzdrowski: His story is just incredible. He’s been part of the first team for the last couple of years, but was loaned out to lower-league clubs, where he didn’t get much
playing time — that’s unusual because that’s why you send someone on loan. Malmö’s always believed in him, but the club has really high standards: win the championship every year, get into Europe. It’s hard for a young guy to break in.
This year, Ricardo Friedrich was No.1 at the start (after Johan Dahlin’s injury — club legend with seven or eight titles). Melker was originally the third choice, but the team struggled, Ricardo didn’t convince, and Melker was performing in training. The club’s hand was forced — they gave him a run. He played seven Allsvenskan games and got five clean sheets. Then Robin Olsen came back, but even he didn’t convince everyone, and fans were saying play the young guy — he’s the future. He also got five games in Europe and did an incredible job. The rise has been meteoric.
Getting European games so quickly shows real trust. What stands out about his mentality?
Matt: It’s a high level for Malmö — they dominate domestically and want to make a name in Europe. When things go wrong, young guys get chances, and Melker took full control. He’s brave, bounces back from mistakes, and is never discouraged, even when experienced guys played ahead.
The first-team goalkeeper coach always says he’s never complained — just worked harder. He’s humble, reflective, confident, but not cocky. That gives him composure on the field.
Off it, he’s quiet; on it, he’s in control and organised.
With only about 14 senior games for Malmö (seven league, five Europa League, two cup), did the move surprise you?
Matt: Football moves quickly. Clubs have lists of young players; once he played and performed in quality matches — including Europe — he rose fast. At 22, it’s an incredible experience in a short time. Numbers-wise, it’s crazy — he’s got limited games — but Sunderland sees the potential.
It’s the most expensive goalkeeper sale from Allsvenskan ever, but for Sunderland, it’s peanuts. It’s smart business: develop him, and he could play in the Premier League or be sold for profit.
Style-wise? Comparisons to Robin Roefs seem common — aggressive, ball-playing, but commanding...
Matt: Melker said it himself: he’s offensive and aggressive. He takes chances in build-up and crossings, and has modern positioning. He’s good on the ball, comfortable short/medium/long, but can be risky — the critique is that he sometimes tries too much. But he didn’t change after early mistakes; he continued.
I love aggressive guys — they’re easier to reel in than push a timid one. He has explosive athleticism, is powerful, and covers corners brilliantly. It fits the game’s shift: a hybrid of ball-playing and dominating off the line in faster/direct play. Similar to Roefs, Verbruggen, etc.
How’s it viewed in Sweden/Malmö? And for the academy?
Matt: As a massive success story, it’s a huge move for him to the Premier League.
It’s win-win: Malmö gets a record fee, and they still have Robin Olsen. It’s seen as positive; he’s now viewed as future national team material. For academy lads (he joined at 16 as our product), it’s inspiring. Malmö produces great keepers, but breaking in is tough. He’s the first young one to get the chance and deliver.
It shows that if you stick at it and take your opportunity, it can happen.
When he arrives at the Academy of Light, what should fans expect? He’s adding competition behind Roefs, replacing Patterson in the group.
Matt: He’ll be motivated to impress — he’s a fighter, and never complains. He’s quiet off-field, but dominant in training: screaming, organising, and making crazy saves. It’s a tough transition to a higher level, but he’ll adapt — he’s done it before. It’s low-risk, but high-reward, and with huge potential.
Over the next 18 months, what would you hope to see?
Matt: Short-term: settle in England, get comfortable with teammates/staff/expectations. Then perform when chances come, in the cups at first more than likely.
The pressure at Malmö was huge, but he thrived. He’ll rise to the Premier League challenge.
For fans not quite sure about this one, what would you say?
Matt: I understand short-term doubts, but look 18 months ahead — it could be an afterthought. Watch him train if you can; you’ll be blown away physically and mentally. He’s got the level.
