r/footballscouting

For a national team whose last FIFA World Cup appearance came back in 1998 ,where they achieved their best result by reaching the Round of 16 and whose first participation dates all the way to 1938, it is more than fair to consider Norway a dark horse. What is particularly significant is that Norway finally possesses a well balanced squad across all lines from a reliable defensive structure to creativity in midfield and super powerful and dangerous quality in attack, a combination that produced impressive and intimidating performances throughout their qualification group. They showed their dominance by defeating Italy both home and away with an aggregate score of 7:1, winning every match in their qualification group and finishing the group with an impressive total of 35 goals scored. Beyond the huge stars such as Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, Norway also boasts a strong support including talented players like Antonio Nusa, Alexander Sørloth, Jørgen Strand Larsen, Kristian Thorstvedt, Sander Berge, David Møller Wolfe and Kristoffer Ajer, and other high quality footballers competing in Europe’s top five leagues. The impressive Champions League campaign of Bodø/Glimt , powered mainly by Norwegian players has further strengthened the national team pool. This growing depth offers coach Ståle Solbakken more tactical options and internal competition, elements that are crucial for building a strong team in the big tournament. They have been drawn into a challenging group alongside France and Senegal, with the final participant still to be confirmed later this month. Despite the obvious difficulty of the group particularly against a recent world champion like France and a physically strong and tactically disciplined Senegal, Norway will believe they have the quality and momentum to compete. If they maintain their attacking efficiency and defensive organisation, a runner-up finish and qualification for the knockout stage remains a realistic objective, where from that point everything is possible. Given their form, tactical balance and individual brilliance, Norway have the tools to reach the quarter-finals and could realistically dream of a place among the final four. -ScoutLui

Stjepan Radeljic will wear the jersey of Zagreb Dinamo in the next season, it was confirmed yesterday on the official channels of this club. He comes into the ranks of the Croatian club with the most trophies after a successful season in Rijeka, with which he won the title of Croatian champion.

Been going back and forth on this one but I think it’s pretty clear cut. Against a low block, which DR Congo are almost certainly setting up as, Bellingham as an 8 makes way more sense than as a 10.

He showed it against Panama already. As an 8 he’s getting on the ball more, allowed to have much more space, and still has the legs to break beyond when the gap is there. Against a packed defence we need to give Bellingham as much time to have space on the ball, not just sitting in the pockets waiting for service that isn’t coming because there’s no space to receive it in behind.

Where I think he’s actually a 10 is against the better sides later in the tournament. Teams that won’t sit as deep, that’ll actually let the game open up. That’s where his instincts to find pockets between the lines and arrive late in the box become the priority over controlling possession. Different problem, different role.

For this game specifically I’d have Eze in the 10 instead. He’s better suited to that creative pocket against a low block, more comfortable taking players on in tight areas where Bellingham’s game is more about progressing the ball than beating a man one on one.

Also think Spence should start at right back over Quansah here. Want more pace and directness in behind a deep line, and Spence offers that overlap threat than Quansah. Better defender out wide as well.

Curious what people think, does Tuchel rotate? Feels like the kind of tournament where being flexible with roles like this could actually be the difference.

Went into more depth on this with examples in a video if anyone’s curious, mainly just want to hear if people agree on Bellingham’s best position changing depending on the opponent though: https://youtu.be/FZlHhFmBGLg