Antonio Nusa: The Other Norwegian Threat England Must Watch Out For

While all eyes will be on stopping Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, England must also pay attention to winger Antonio Nusa, who has emerged as one of Norway's key weapons in the 2026 World Cup.

The British newspaper "Mirror" reported that Nusa, a player for RB Leipzig, has been impressive in the tournament, scoring a stunning goal that helped eliminate Ivory Coast in the Round of 32, confirming his status as one of the rising talents being monitored by Premier League clubs.

Nusa was close to transferring to Brentford in January 2024 for around £25 million, but the deal fell through due to issues during the medical examination related to back pain and knee problems. Tottenham also showed interest in the player during the same period.

Despite these setbacks, the 21-year-old has continued to develop and has become a key player in Norwegian coach Ståle Solbakken's lineup, with the team relying on his speed and ability to create danger from the left flank, alongside Haaland as the main striker.

In Norway's 2-0 victory over Brazil, Nusa touched the ball 30 times, the same number as Haaland in the match, despite Haaland being substituted at halftime, indicating Nusa's significant importance in Norway's playing style.

Nusa boasts impressive dribbling statistics, averaging 6.5 successful dribbles per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga last season, outperforming most players in the competition. He is also known for his ability to penetrate defensive lines, whether by sprinting to the touchline or cutting inside to shoot.

England's concerns about his threat are heightened due to issues at right-back, especially with Reece James not fully fit after a hamstring injury, which could give Nusa more space to exploit his speed and individual skills.

Nusa enters the match against England with great ambition, having stated before the tournament that his goal is not only to face his favorite star Neymar but to outperform him as well, which he has indeed achieved during the World Cup journey.