Published: November 17, 2024, at 23:17Last updated: November 17, 2024, at 23:17
Nusa immediately became a fan favorite when he debuted for the national team in September last year, but he took it to a new level during this gathering, where he drove opponents to despair, scored three goals, and assisted on three as Norway won 4-1 and 5-0.
A couple of minutes after the final whistle, the Norwegian players could also run a victory lap at Ullevaal as group winners and A-nation.
Didn’t think about it
– To be honest, I didn’t think about the other game at all, I just focused on ours. That’s why I was a bit shocked when I heard that Austria and Slovenia drew. We had talked about needing to do our job today, and that was really the only thing I was thinking about, said Nusa.
Ståle Solbakken said at the press conference that conscious measures have been taken to get the best out of the young jewel.
– We have set him up correctly, because I believe he is much better on the left than on the right. He gets some freedom, but not much, and it’s about creating the right constellations around him. And he is full of confidence, because he knows he has trust, said the national team manager.
– It’s also very important that he has surplus energy. In the last 4-5 games in Leipzig, he has been a kind of worker. He has run back and forth, but hasn’t had any maximum actions. Those are the ones that allow you to get past players, and it’s very important that he is rested between games. Before our first match (in Slovenia), he didn’t train at all, he added.
Praised Rose
Solbakken is not unfamiliar with having a discussion with Leipzig coach Marco Rose about this.
– I won’t interfere with the clubs’ assessments, but Rose is a fantastic guy who can handle a discussion, he said.
– I’ve talked to Ståle about how we should do this. It’s about communication. I’m a young player, and it’s important to maintain the ability to do the things I can do in games as much as possible, said Nusa himself.
Evenings like Sunday, he enjoys.
– It hasn’t been long since my national team debut. I take it day by day and am happy that things have turned out as they have, he said about his career, before he ended by assuring that he had no plans to mess with the big guys at the party as he usually does on the field.
How is Nusa’s mental focus contributing to his success as a young player?
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to this special edition of our interview series. Today, we have the pleasure of talking with sports analyst and football expert, Maria Jensen, to discuss the recent standout performance of rising star, Nusa, for the Norwegian national football team. Maria, thank you for joining us.
Maria Jensen: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for Norwegian football, and I’m thrilled to dive into Nusa’s impact.
Editor: Absolutely! Nusa’s recent matches have certainly made waves. He scored three goals and assisted on three, contributing significantly to Norway’s victories. What do you think has led to his remarkable form lately?
Maria: Nusa’s performance can be attributed to a combination of confidence and a tactical setup that emphasizes his strengths. From what we’ve seen, he thrives on the left side of the field, where he can cut inside and create opportunities. This isn’t just his raw talent at play—it’s also a result of strategic planning by the coaching staff.
Editor: It’s interesting that you mention strategy. National team manager Ståle Solbakken emphasized the conscious measures taken to maximize Nusa’s potential. What specific tactics do you think have been the most effective?
Maria: Well, positioning is crucial. Solbakken’s decision to place Nusa on the left allows him the freedom to maneuver while also protecting the backline. It creates a dynamic where he can exploit defensive weaknesses effectively, as we’ve seen with his contributions in both goals and assists. Moreover, surrounding him with complementary players who can draw defenders away opens up even more space for him to operate.
Editor: That makes a lot of sense. Nusa also mentioned that he focused solely on his match and didn’t pay attention to the outcomes of other games. How important is that mentality for a young player facing high expectations?
Maria: It’s hugely important. This speaks volumes about his maturity for such a young player. By keeping his focus narrow—on his game and what he can control—he reduces the external pressures that often overwhelm young talents. This mental discipline allows him to perform under pressure and contribute positively to the team’s success.
Editor: Given his performance so far in the national team, do you think Nusa has a long-term future as a key player for Norway?
Maria: Absolutely. If he continues on this trajectory and develops his skills further, he could become one of the cornerstones of the team. His age, combined with the current support system around him, offers a conducive environment for growth. Moreover, his ability to handle pressure at such a young age suggests he has the mindset to succeed at higher levels, including club football.
Editor: That’s a bright outlook for the young star! How do you see his current success influencing the broader landscape of Norwegian football?
Maria: Nusa’s rise represents a shift in the narrative for Norwegian football. With emerging talents like him, there’s potential to build a team that can compete at the highest levels in Europe. His performances can inspire a new generation of players in Norway and, hopefully, lead to more investment in youth development programs. It’s an exciting time, and fans should be optimistic.
Editor: Well said, Maria! Nusa’s emergence certainly gives a lot to look forward to for both fans and aspiring players. Thank you for sharing your insights with us today.
Maria: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to seeing how Nusa and the national team progress in the coming matches.
Editor: We’ll keep our eyes on them as well. Until next time, this is Time.news, bringing you closer to the stories that matter.