'Well-drilled' Norway shouldn't be underestimated, insists Luc Jeggo

Norway-based Australian midfielder Luc Jeggo has described the Socceroos’ next friendly opponents as a tough, well-drilled side and believes they will be far from pushovers for the green and gold.

Norway might have missed out on qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, and are ranked 57th in the world, 20 places below Australia, but they are still dangerous.

That’s the view of former Melbourne Victory midfielder Jeggo, who plys his trade in the Norwegian second division with Floro SK.

The Aussie has lived in Norway for the past two years and has seen the evolution of the European country’s national team up close. A year ago former Iceland, Nigeria and Sweden coach Lars Lagerback was appointed, replacing Per-Mathias Hogmo.

Under Lagerback’s guidance, Jeggo said Norway play a very, very direct style of football and will be compact and organised.
“The style of play is a lot like the way Lars Lagerback played when he was in charge of Iceland,” he told The World Game.

“4-4-2, defending deep and fast attacking on the counter. The team is a mix between young talent and some more experienced players.

“Corners, set pieces and throw-ins are important attacking weapons for Lagerback’s team. I think it will be very even contest to be fair. It will be a struggle breaking them down.”

Jeggo nominates Basel forward Mohamed Elyounoussi, Hertha Berlin goalkeeper Rune Jarstein, ADO Den Haag striker Bjorn Maars Johnsen and Fulham midfielder Stefan Johansen as Norway’s danger men.

Norway also have welcomed back Real Madrid whizkid Martin Odegaard into their line-up.

“Rune Jarstein is one of the best goalies in the German Bundesliga,” he said.

“Moi [Elyounoussi] who scored against Manchester City in the Champions League and is linked with a big move this summer, and Stefan Johansen who is a player performing well at Fulham and can play both defensive midfielder and attacking midfield.

“I think one to watch could be Maars Johnsen who is currently in very good form with ADO Den Haag in the Eredivisie.
“This is Odegaard’s first call-up for quite a while. He hasn’t really been involved with the senior-squad since Lagerbäck took over, but has been a key figure in the Under-21 national team.”

Late last year Jeggo re-signed with Floro SK for another season. He helped them achieve promotion in 2016 and last year made 23 appearances.

The 23-year-old is likely to miss the start of the OBOS-ligaen campaign next month after breaking a bone in his leg during pre-season.

“They think it’s a stress fracture but it’s been a bit hard to diagnose, “ he said.

“Hopefully I’m not out for too long.”


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3 min read
Published 22 March 2018 12:23pm
By John Davidson

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