Rune Bratseth - Kicker 1988
Bremen made up for the loss of Gunnar Sauer brilliantly with Rune Bratseth taking over that role after Sauer's initial replacement Michael Kutzop was also injured. The Norwegian, who is already in a class of his own as marker, showcased impressively that he also knows how to interpet the role of libero in a brilliant way. The 1,93 meters tall defender, who Otto Rehhagel bought two years ago for 300,000 Marks from the Norwegian champion Rosenborg Trondheim, convinces with his versatility. In defense, he is almost insurmountable due to his pace, heading prowess and overview and as a libero, he also makes use of his freedom to roam forward stupendously. Bratseth's constantly above average performances, especially in the European Cup, tipped the balance to rate him as 'world class'. The brave 'Viking' would certainly play an outstanding role in any other European league, too. It also speaks for the deeply religious Bratseth that he does not intend to move southwards ("I feel well in Bremen, money is not everything").
Rune Bratseth - Kicker 1992
The Libero position, a problem of German football ever since Beckenbauer retired from the national team. To us, the best libero right now plays in Bremen, is Norwegian and his name is Rune Bratseth. He played captivatingly for Norway which is still unbeaten in the World Cup qualifiers. .... Bratseth is a man of class who some already have eulogized as an extraterrestial being due to his abilities and his virtues. .... Rune Bratseth remains an exceptional phenomenon. He sets himself apart from the staid mediocrity of his colleagues. In every way. Especially when one focuses on his performances on the pitch. 'World class' for the second time since winter 1988. The patient one feels honoured: "A great honour to me" said Bratseth when he heard the news. "Thoroughly justified" said Bremen's managing director Willi Lemke. And coach Otto Rehhagel certainly won't raise any objections, too, after all he's never tired in decorating Bratseth with superlatives: Bratseth is the cleverest, the fairest, the fastest defender in the world, said Rehhagel.
Rehhagel may sometimes be inclined to wax lyrically but in this case his praise is realistic. Rune Bratseth is a first class chief of defense who combines all virtues that this position demands: swiftness and positional play, vision and offensive prowess, technique and elegance, cleverness and routine. What distinguishes him the most however is that he's a personality. A general in the positive sense, a leader who oozes authority and charme at the same time.
Rune Bratseth - Kicker 1993
Success with Norway's national team, the German championship with Werder Bremen - Rune Bratseth is riding the crest of a wave. The seasoned libero is the only outfield player that we labelled 'world class' in our ranking. .......the success of Norway in the World Cup qualifiers is downright sensational. In addition to that the German championship with Werder - small wonder that Bratseth's popularity in Norway has reached new heights. It was his success with Norway which proved to be decisive in categorizing Bratseth as 'world class' this time. .... That a libero like Bratseth with such a high performance level is still playing in the Bundesliga made him a downright attaction in light of the many offers from abroad. Bratseth's strongpoints are undisputed. His conduct in man-to-man duels is extra class just as his aerial game as well as his quickness (4.7 seconds for the first 40 meters). His technique is appealing despite his way of walking sometimes reminding one of a galloping moose. But ultimately it is not elegance but efficiency that is demanded on the pitch.
It is his enormous understanding of the game that ultimately distinguishes him as a libero of world class. Bratseth is capable of reading a game like a conductor. This is also known by Egil Olsen, the Norwegian head coach, who - as a Norwegian - probably does not even know the word "libero" since Norway operates with a flat back four - traditionally with two center backs. Yet Bratseth calls the shots similar to Franco Baresi for AC Milan. For example when the pressing does not work as planned. "Then we immediately draw back to minimize the space for long passes", says Rune. Bratseth realizes dangerous developments in no time and functions as the instigator of a very mobile, flat defensive chain. This is the nucleus of the Norwegian success. Naturally in compiling our ranking we did not only focus on international performances. His performances in the Bundesliga were habitually commanding. Not without reason the Bremen defense conceded the least number of goals this season. .....
What the Pundit says - Franz Beckenbauer
Rune Bratseth world class? The Norwegian has earned this label since he has not lost any of his strengths and also won the German championship with Bremen and is shortly before leading Norway to the World Cup. While the decision of Kicker in this ranking in general is quite generous the decision regarding Bratseth is still correct.