Blackburn Rovers forward Andri Gudjohsen may have followed his father into football but he is determined to forge his own path in the sport.
The Icelandic international made the move to Ewood Park in the summer following a year long stint at Gent in Belgium.
In eight games since his move to Lancashire, the 23-year-old has netted three time. The form, combined with the the name has obviously drawn comparisons to his father, Eidur Gudjohnsen.
Despite his pedigree, Gudjohnsen is determined to pave his own way in the game.
“Growing up I heard endless stories of my dad playing football, so I know what it means to the fans over here,” the Blackburn forward, who was born in London during his father’s time at Stamford Bridge, told BBC Radio Lancashire.
“The Gudjohnsen name is big in Iceland and in Europe, so the comparisons will always be there, but we have all done quite well to create our own paths and hopefully that can continue.
“There is not much you can do about it, but you can’t let comparisons get into your head, or listen to what other people have to say.”
“I just try to keep calm myself and play my game, which scoring goals is part of that.”
The Gudjohnsen Pedigree
Andri Gudjohnsen is definitely not the first time that last name has made headlines.
Eidur Gudjohnsen, Andri’s father, first made his name not far from Ewood Park.
Also a striker, the latter joined Bolton Wanderers in 1998. After netting 21 goals in 1999/2000, the only way was up for Gudjohnsen, moving to Chelsea as part of their revolution.
Two Premier League titles later, Barcelona called where the now 47-year-old would win a La Liga and UEFA Champions League.
Following short-lived spells with Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham and Stoke City, Gudjohnsen would return the EFL and the north west.
A fairy tale reunion occurred as the Icelandic re-joined Bolton, only to be partnered up top with Emile Heskey of all people.
Whilst his father has had a career to behold, Andri is not only blessed with footballing pedigree but with the grit that helped his old man reach the height he did.
It is in England that Eidur truly began to make his name, and whilst on a different path, his son will no doubt hope to do the same.
Is the Tide Turning at Blackburn Rovers?
Blackburn Rovers have not had the best of starts to their Championship campaign, with off-field issues aiding the lack of results on it.
Despite this, things may be on the up for Valerian Ismael’s side.
Gudjohnsen who has netted three goals in his last two games, has been key in Rovers picking up six points from those games.
Blackburn looked in a real mess after a 3-1 loss to Sheffield United but have since won their last two fixtures.
First they beat the now-manager less Southampton 2-1, with Gudjohnsen netting the winner late on.
A week later they rolled over another relegated Premier League side in Leicester City. Gudjohnsen would net both goals.
The upturn in the Icelandic’s form has also marked the upturn in fortunes for Blackburn. Partnered with Yuki Ohashi, the pairs link up play is integral to the way this team have begun to play and is landing perfectly for Gudjohnsen to net goals.
Rovers head to Bristol City in their next game. The Robins present a different test, sitting fifth in the table.
Ismael will need Gudjohnsen on top form to get a result, especially if the forward is wanting to continue making a name for himself outside of his fathers name.
