With the emergence of solid footballing sides out of Scandinavia, I thought I’d try this little experiment and compile a super team, a la British and Irish Lions, of the best players from Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland.
Goalkeeper — Kasper Schmeichel [DEN]
An obvious choice in goal. One of the Premier League’s best and a consistent performer for the Danish national side — Schmeichel is at the top of his game and is showing no signs of slowing down.
Centre Back — Victor Lindelöf [SWE]
Manchester United have stuck by Lindelöf for many years, and he is expected to fight for his position even with the stiff competition of Harry Maguire and summer signing Raphaël Varane. The cornerstone of the Swedish defence which reached a World Cup quarter-final in 2018.
Centre Back — Andreas Christensen [DEN]
Started in the Champions League final for the victorious Chelsea and features regularly in a side that is expected to challenge on all fronts this season. He has all the attributes you want in a centre back: tall, agile, intelligent, and a fierce tackler.
Centre Back — Simon Kjær [DEN]
Kjær is rightfully lauded for his heroic actions on the field when Christian Eriksen collapsed in their Euro 2020 match against Finland, but we mustn’t also forget that he is also a solid centre back with years of experience at the top level. The veteran was part of an AC Milan side that mounted a respectable title challenge to Inter last season.
Left Midfield — Mikkel Damsgaard [DEN]
Almost ruined the English summer 4 days prematurely with a superb free kick in the Euro 2020 semi-final. Damsgaard is held in high regard by his peers and was touted as a potential summer addition for many top European clubs, including Liverpool. Watch this space.
Centre Midfield — Emil Forsberg [SWE]
Forsberg is a massively underrated threat going forward. He may not have the fancy haircuts and trendy social media appearance, but he went under the radar scoring four goals at Euro 2020, only one behind Golden Boot winner Ronaldo. RB Leipzig’s number 10 has been instrumental in their consistent title charges and Champions League runs in recent years.
Centre Midfield — Pierre-Emile Højbjerg [DEN]
A mainstay in Tottenham’s midfield, Højbjerg has proved himself to be one of the most consistent centre midfielders in the league, providing security and solidity in the centre of the park. He also led the Premier League in both tackles and tackles in which his team ended up in possession of the bal last year. Captain material.
Right Midfield — Joakim Mæhle [DEN]
Mæhle was one of the breakout stars of Euro 2020, scoring 2 goals and causing mayhem down the right hand side. He was also on the scoresheet recently in Denmark’s World Cup qualifier against Scotland.
Attacking Midfield — Martin Ødegaard [NOR]
One of the few bright spots in an otherwise extremely bleak-looking Arsenal team, Ødegaard seems to be finding his feet again after stumbling a bit after being forced into the limelight at just 16. Expect him to improve significantly this season, as well as in seasons to come.
Striker — Erling Braut Haaland [NOR]
The best player, probably ever, to come out of Norway and indeed all of Scandinavia. Haaland is a frighteningly good talent who is only improving. A fierce striker, expect him to dominate the world stage for many years to come.
Striker — Alexander Isak [SWE]
I did consider Teemu Pukki for this position to be the sole Finn to make the team, but looking at recent games it appears he doesn’t even seem to remain in favour for the Finnish national team, meaning I really couldn’t justify selecting him over the promising Isak, who caused defences many problems in La Liga last year, scoring 17 for Real Sociedad.
