Egil Olsen Drillo think Havard Nordtveit can become the new midfield boss - for many years to come.
Havard Nordtveit has played great season in midfield for the German club Borussia Monchengladbach and is seen as one of the biggest talents in the Bundesliga.
Coach Egil Olsen Drillo does not hide his enthusiasm for the youngster, who scored Norway’s first goal in 3-0 victory over Northern Ireland in his third A-cap.
“We had a period of four players who are U21 players and I can not remember the last time a national team had. It was very gratifying to see a them played in Northern Ireland match. Thomas Rogne did well in defense and Havard had really shown his capacity in midfield”
“Havard is a strong defensive player and wise. He takes a small step to the offensive he can be a midfielder Norway can enjoy for many years to come”.
Are you surprised at Nordtveit progress?
“No, I’m not at all. He is such a young player who decides how far he can reach. He is a rare talent. There are in fact very rare that you have midfielders who are so young and so mature in the style of play”.
John Arne Riise, who has 100 caps for Norway, agrees with the coach.
“Havard did very very well. he’s stuck on the club team and shows once again to the national team. Thomas Rogne made it good, he won the battles and everything in the air. And Tarik came in and scored and Valon Berisha came in and had the assist. The young guys took care of the opportunity and were confident in their achievements”.
Belief in the Premier League return
He now believe it is only a matter of time before Havard Nordtveit return to English football.
“He has long been stable at club level and is now the national team. Sure, I’ve heard about Liverpool-interest, and I think that England is his target. He plays as good as he has done now, so he needs not to stress - he will get an offer from a bigger club. He is tough in his duels, with good tackles and is good with the ball. He has also the advantage that he played for Arsenal before and knows what it takes. I think he soon ends up in England again”.
Riise seems to see Nordtveit currently emerging as one of the biggest talents in the Nordic countries.
“Yes, he is a great talent and established in a very good club teams. It is up to him how far he can reach. If he is as stable as he has been in the past, the future looks really bright for him”.
Due to Havard’s shoulder injury, he will not be fit for the match against England on May 26th. He may also miss the match against Croatia on June 2nd.
