In the second group stage game of the U21 Euros Norway faced arguably the best and most experienced team in the tournament, France. A cagey game at first both teams had high quality chances to take the lead before France finally converted one of their chances in the 57th minute, and secured the win with a goal line clearance by Lukeba in the dying minutes of the game.
Ratings:
- A1 – Very good, could play higher
- A2 – Strong potential to play higher
- B1 – Good, strong player at level
- B2 – Potential to be a strong player at level
- C – Average for the level, rewatch
- D – Below average in this match
Oscar Bobb
Player Profile:
- Nationality: Norwegian/Gambian
- Age: 20
- Date of birth: 12/07/2003
- Club: Manchester City (Y)
- Career: Valerenga Fotball (Y), Manchester City (Y)
- Position: Right Wing
- Preferred foot: Left
Bobb started off as a right winger, but later on in the game especially in the second half he was present more as a right central midfielder, or occasionally as a central playmaker. Bobb was the source of Norway’s best chances, with his close control and quick movement able to get Norway out of difficult problems and create threatening attacks. Off the ball Bobb was initially a right midfielder in a 442 then spent the second half up until his 77th minute substitution as part of the front two. As a right midfielder he showed better understanding of his pressing responsibilities, constantly anticipating opposition passes, quickly putting pressure on with his high acceleration, and at times getting the ball back successfully.
His temperament suits the midfield role more, as when playing wide he is much less aggressive, often slowing down the play and deciding not to take his man on, reminiscent of Man City senior Bernardo Silva. But in the midfield he is always open to receive, dropping to help in buildup, and constantly aware of his surroundings. He has a good variety of touches, as he can take the ball in any direction with his touch, and his lack of aggressiveness carries over to midfield in a positive sense as he makes good decisions on when to pass back and when to drive forward. When dribbling his head is up and body upright, with his focus still on making the correct decision, even if it is a pass back. On the turn he is quick but I noticed a slight tendency to turn to the outside and face the byline when his back is to the opposition goal. Another negative of his wingplay is a lack of runs in behind.
Physically he is unimposing, but has good balance and strength to remain upright and keep the ball in the dribble.
Rating — A2
Oscar Bobb has great technical qualities, like his close control and first touch, and impressive versatility within those qualities. That coupled with his psychological traits like decision making make him a high potential player. I can see him being used sparsely at Man City in the upcoming season and earning a spot as a respectable rotation option at one of the best teams in the world.
Antonio Nusa
Player Profile:
- Nationality: Norwegian/Nigerian
- Age: 18
- Date of birth: 17/04/2005
- Club: Club Brugge KV
- Career: Stabæk (Y), Stabæk, Club Brugge
- Position: LW
- Preferred foot: Right
Nusa had an electric match, showing off his elite dribbling, but faltered when it came to end product. He featured mostly as a left winger, with a few touches on the right. When on the right he seemed to run in behind a lot more compared to the left, where he looked to utilise his dribbling. As a dribbler he is very complete, has a good combination of flair and skills while knowing when to use each skill for its purpose. He can go both outside and inside his defender and his high acceleration makes him a threat even with less space in behind. He receives the ball well in order to attack his defender, is very aggressive and ambitious, and comfortable when changing directions. His creative passing is great when coming off the dribble, as he showed he’s comfortable dribbling inside and then laying it off to a teammate. The most impressive aspect of his dribbling against France was that it was all done with minimal support from his left back or midfielder.
Despite a slow first half Nusa played the full match but failed to register a goal or assist. One of the facets of his game that he can improve is his shooting, he needs to dribble into better shooting positions and be quicker to get the shot off. His balance and long passing are also weak points.
Rating — A2
In an era which seems to favour wide dribbling wingers, Nusa is bound to be in demand in the market. Club Brugge have made the Conference League this season, which gives him a good chance at getting gametime vs a variety of opposition, and to showcase his talent in European competitions. If he continues to improve at this pace he can be in a top 5 league by January.