{"id":561879,"date":"2020-08-13T10:59:16","date_gmt":"2020-08-13T14:59:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/?p=561879"},"modified":"2021-03-17T19:05:17","modified_gmt":"2021-03-17T23:05:17","slug":"norway-next-generation-a-golden-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2020\/08\/13\/norway-next-generation-a-golden-one\/","title":{"rendered":"Norway: Next Generation a Golden One on the Rise"},"content":{"rendered":"

When asked about the best footballing nations, the likes of France, Brazil and Spain spring to mind; all three countries have a plethora of talented individuals. Yet, as the next generation begins their breakthrough, it is Norway who look an underdog team to keep an eye on.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Before, they were a small fish amongst sharks in the growing waters of international football. Now, however, with the likes of Erling H\u00e5land\u00a0<\/a>at their disposal, they are well-positioned to create some huge upsets by the time 2022 comes around.<\/span><\/p>\n

Next Generation of Norwegian Stars One to Keep an Eye On<\/h2>\n

Erling Haaland: A Generational Forward for Norway<\/h3>\n

Erling H\u00e5land, at the age of 20, is already one of the best forwards around. His clinical nature in front of goal is a trait you would expect to see from a veteran; his confidence grows with each minute on the pitch, as does his reputation. <\/span><\/p>\n

And, the fact is, he’ll only improve while wearing the famous yellow of Borussia Dortmund<\/a>. In similar fashion to what Zlatan Ibrahimovi\u0107<\/a>\u00a0has done with Sweden, H\u00e5land\u00a0will also elevate the Norway national team both on and off the pitch.<\/span><\/p>\n

With a staggering 44 goals to his name last season, too, H\u00e5land’s confidence alongside his ability would have undoubtedly skyrocketed to new levels, putting him in a great position to become the main man for Norway.<\/span><\/p>\n

Martin \u00d8degaard: Norway’s Very Own Midfield Maestro\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Many national teams fail when finding adequate service for their star strikers. Norway, going against this norm, have their very own midfield maestro in the form of Martin \u00d8degaard<\/a>, however, to play the role of creator.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The 21-year-old, currently back at Real Madrid<\/a> following a successful loan spell at Real Sociedad<\/a>, more than proved his worth last season. There was once a time when the Madrid man was written off entirely; many believed he would never fulfil his supposedly great potential.<\/span><\/p>\n

Yet, here we are, and here is Martin \u00d8degaard\u00a0ready to give Zinedine Zidane a selection headache ahead of next season. Like H\u00e5land, too, the Norwegian international will only improve as time goes on, leaving him in the position to lead his country into a new era alongside his fellow Norwegian star.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The partnership of the two youngsters will cause plenty of problems come the 2022 World Cup to potentially give Norway many underdog victories.<\/span><\/p>\n

Experience Alongside Youth Key for Norway<\/h3>\n

H\u00e5land, alongside \u00d8degaard, will undoubtedly become a key player for Norway, but experience will still be needed. And this is where the likes of H\u00e5vard Nordtveit<\/a> and, by the time 2022 comes around, Mohamed Elyounoussi<\/a>\u00a0will come into play.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Both players, as well as a few others, will be crucial in guiding the more youthful stars. Celtic defender\u00a0Kristoffer Ajer<\/a> can use Nordtveit to learn and overcome any issues. The Celtic man is another, alongside the aforementioned H\u00e5land\u00a0and \u00d8degaard, who will lead Norway into a new era.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is exciting times ahead for Norway who, for the first time in forever, could see national team progression.<\/span><\/p>\n

Main Photo
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>