Sørloth ready for peak climbing – Dagsavisen
Despite a season where he has lost international matches both with the card quarantine and injury, he can set a personal annual record in goals. His 12 national team goals are divided into one in 2016, one in 2018, four in 2019, three in 2020 and three so far in 2021.
– I often put pressure on myself, and especially when I play with the flag on my chest. That means something extra, he says.
– A striker must create chances and score goals.
Sørloth played every minute of the three qualifying matches in March and scored in both matches that were won, but he has played only 93 minutes in total in the five autumn matches.
[ Spiller for sjelden matchball i kvalifiseringen ]
Tough to look at
He was banned for yellow cards against the Netherlands in September and did not get the chance to repeat the feat to his father Gøran, who won the World Cup qualifier against the Netherlands in September 1992. He lost the matches in October due to injury.
– It was tough, especially the Turkey match. Then I sat with a group of friends and watched the match, and it was heavy. I so wanted to contribute, and I get more nervous when I’m not with myself, he told Friday’s press conference.
– But I think the guys did a great job, and I became confident in the match.
Despite a bunch of delays from important players, Norway took one point against Turkey and three against Montenegro last month, and that means that the decision is still in their own hands and feet.
[ Ståle Solbakken er to kamper unna et VM-sluttspill. Der har ikke Norge vært på 23 år. Gjør det noe med ham? ]
Did everything right
Well, Sørloth is ready again, and this is how he has helped to lift Real Sociedad to the top of the table in La Liga, he will do everything he can to send Norway to the top of the table in the World Cup qualifiers.
– I was a little used, for hoarding injuries it is often difficult to put time on. Luckily, all the bra went. I got very good support from the physiotherapist at Real Sociedad, and we did everything right. Well I know the shape is rising. I have played from the start and scored goals and that is positive, he says.
Sørloth is in his third top-5 league, and is starting to experience success in the Premier League (Crystal Palace) and Bundesliga (RB Leipzig).
– Alexander smashed in the medium-sized leagues. He did it in Denmark (Central Jutland) and in Turkey (Trabzonspor). Then he was headhunted by big clubs in big leagues. There will be more battle for the game. He could have continued in Leipzig, but I think he would rather be one of “the main men”, says Ståle Solbakken about the striker.
[ Landslaget opptatt av fulle tribuner på Ullevaal – ikke tomme i Rotterdam ]
Recognition
– It is a recognition that big clubs will give so much money for ham, and that there is such a big rift about him. That is because he is good and has great potential. I think he has made good progress in Spain. Remember that he did not get a season run-up either in Germany or there, and then he also had a small strain injury. As it has been, he has gotten the most out of it.
Sørloth thrives in Spain and says that the football he plays there suits him well.
– The level in the biggest leagues is high, but the football that is played is a little different. In Germany, a lot is about physics. Everyone is healthy and everyone is strong. In Spain it is more technical football, and often you are a little more hesitant in the duel game. My physique is more decision there.
On Saturday, he will show it again against Latvia at Ullevaal.
[ Solbakken venter Latvia-grep: – Vil satse på kontringer ]