Sweden manager Janne Andersson has included Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and Tottenham Hotspur star Dejan Kulusevski in the squad for the UEFA Nations League ties against Serbia and Slovenia later this month.
The striker joined the Magpies from Real Sociedad for a club-record fee in the summer, while Spurs took the 22-year-old from Juventus in January.
Kulusevski has impressed for Tottenham in this calendar year, managing six goals and 10 assists in all competitions, while Newcastle’s new star has a goal from first two league games.
With the international break soon upon us, Andersson has urged several of his players to showcase their leadership qualities, both on and off the pitch, while with the national team.
“When it comes to the leadership in the group, I hope – and we will talk about that now when we gather – to get more players who step forward and take charge,” the Sweden manager said, as relayed by Fotboll Skanalen.
“We have a number of players today who have played before with many slightly older and experienced players, but who today have made 25-30 international matches, they have taken some responsibility but should be able to take even more responsibility in the national team. I think that will be an important part for us.”
When quizzed whether he had expectations from certain players, Andersson named the Newcastle and Tottenham stars.
The coach wants both Isak and Antonio Conte’s man to use their experience of playing at top clubs when they come the national team camp.
“For example, a player like Dejan. He has made 25-30 international matches. He made his debut in autumn 2018. Alexander Isak scored a goal in the national team in 2017, that’s five and a half years ago,” he explained.
“It is clear that these are players who have already shown that they are prepared to take responsibility in our national team, and it is important that they do so now. Both have the personalities and play in leagues and teams where they gain many good experiences that you can take with you into the national team.”
“But it’s not always that simple… in terms of international matches both are quite old, but in terms of age they are not that old, and it is up to me and us in the management group to talk about this and push this forward with these players. It is not just one player who should rule, but we have to help each other.”
“Take responsibility. For example, should you go to press, who is in charge, when do you go. Through action, through doing good things on the field. It’s not going out and pulling up some trees, but it’s these little things to take care of. And also in the preparations, to then bring their experiences, because these are players who are in good clubs and have good coaches and teammates.”
