Sunderland will never forget 133-cap international hero at the Stadium of Light | OneFootball

FLW look back in time at Swedish icon Seb Larsson's impact at Sunderland.

Sebastian Larsson enjoyed a long and successful career at both club and international level, making a name for himself as a dependable midfielder with a particular knack for set-pieces, especially with Sunderland.

He arrived at Arsenal in 2001 as an unknown quantity, joining the Gunners' academy from IFK Eskilstuna, and it proved a top bit of scouting from the North London side, even if he never really made an impact at the club. Having first come through the ranks at Arsenal, he made his mark elsewhere.

The first came during loan spells at Birmingham City before signing permanently in 2007. However, wherever he went, Larsson was known for his work ethic, tactical intelligence, and delivery from dead-ball situations, which were considered among the best in the Premier League for both Blues and Sunderland.

He earned over 130 caps for Sweden, representing his country in multiple European Championships and World Cups, further solidifying his reputation on the global stage. His technical ability and decision-making, particularly his crossing and set-piece delivery, combined with his relentless nature out of possession and top mental attributes, made him an indispensable player wherever he went.

He was one of the first names on the teamsheet no matter who was in charge, with the clubs he played for often going through a number of managers during his various stints in English football.

Seb Larsson's Sunderland career

Although he had success with Birmingham, Larsson’s move to Sunderland in the summer of 2011 was a pivotal moment for both player and club. Signed on a free transfer from Blues, Larsson immediately became an integral part of the Black Cats’ midfield.

His debut season at the Stadium of Light was arguably his best, with Larsson scoring seven goals in all competitions, many of which came from his trademark free-kicks. Notably, his curling free-kick against Arsenal in the FA Cup remains one of his standout moments in a Sunderland shirt, showcasing his ability to deliver in crucial matches.

Larsson’s technical quality was complemented by his leadership and determination on the pitch, which Sunderland fans took to instantly. Over his six seasons at Sunderland, he became known for his versatility, playing in multiple midfield roles as either a wide man down the flank or centrally in a more box-to-box or attacking midfield role.

Whether deployed centrally or out wide, Larsson’s consistency and set-piece threat made him a constant fixture in the side under a series of managers, including Martin O’Neill, Gus Poyet, and Sam Allardyce. His ability to deliver pinpoint crosses and free-kicks from wide areas played a crucial role in Sunderland’s ability to pick up points in tough fixtures.

His 11 strikes from such situations place him joint-sixth in the all-time Premier League free-kick charts. Over 40% of his goals came from dead-ball situations, with six for Birmingham and five for Sunderland. Larsson is still remembered as a Premier League icon who "The Streets Won't Forget".

However, he also came up with clutch moments of his own in big games from open play as well, including a spectacular volley against Liverpool at Anfield in a 1-1 draw on his debut.That set the tone for a successful first season in the North East, and Larsson scored seven times and registered two assists in 32 Premier League appearances.

In the latter seasons, Larsson was particularly important during the club’s great escapes from relegation in the 2013/14 and 2015/16 campaigns, when his tireless work in midfield and composure often helped to relieve pressure in high-stakes matches.

His free-kick against Newcastle United in a 2-1 win during the 2011/12 season remains a moment Sunderland fans still talk about perhaps the most, cementing his status as a fan favourite early in his tenure. That was one particular high point, as was Larsson's instrumental role in Sunderland's League Cup run in 2013/14, where they reached the final before ultimately falling to Manchester City.

Despite Sunderland’s eventual relegation from the Premier League in 2017, Larsson remained one of the club's most consistent performers. He left the club that summer to join Hull City, but his contributions during his six-year stay ensured he departed with his head held high and cult status earned.

Seb Larsson's cult hero status and legacy

He became a fan favourite not just for his on-field abilities but also for his attitude and commitment to the club. Larsson’s passion, leadership, and reliability endeared him to the Stadium of Light faithful, while his set-piece magic often lit up difficult matches.

The combative midfielder was extremely consistent and often gave his usual display of metronomic passing, well-struck set-pieces, and tough tackles. Fans remember him fondly, and his name remains synonymous with Sunderland’s survival battles in the Premier League.

After 282 appearances in the Premier League, coupled with a further 121 in the Championship, there's no disputing that Larsson was a huge success in English football, and it's fair to say that both Sunderland and Birmingham City revere him.While he was loved wherever he played, it was at Sunderland where he truly left an indelible mark, cementing his place as one of the club's modern-day legends.

Despite playing two games fewer at Sunderland than at Birmingham, it is hard to argue against having more of an impact with the Black Cats during some difficult spells for Sunderland. The Swede will be welcome back on Wearside anytime he pleases. Currently, he has taken a role as an assistant coach for his national team, having retired in 2022 from professional football back in his native country after four seasons with AIK.

The 39-year-old remains one of his country's most capped players, sitting third in the all-time rankings. That places him ahead of legendary figures such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrik Larsson, with only Anders Svensson and Thomas Ravelli ahead of him.