An insight into Norway’s star players ahead of qualifying clash
Wales face a difficult test in a Euro 2021 qualifier of paramount importance, as they take on Norway at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Martin Sjögren’s side are currently 12th in the world rankings and have a 100% record in the qualifying campaign so far, scoring 33 goals in their opening five games.
Ahead of a key qualifier in the context of Wales’ campaign, we take a look at Norway’s star players.
Embed from Getty ImagesMaren Mjelde
Norway’s captain is Chelsea’s Maren Mjelde, who can play both at the back and in midfield.
During her time at Chelsea, Mjelde is a two-time Women’s Super League winner, along with capturing the FA Women’s Cup and the FA Community Shield.
The defender has also had a glittering career at international level, earning 149 caps and scoring 19 goals for Norway.
Mjelde offers Martin Sjögren’s side invaluable experience, along with leadership and defensive qualities, which have been hugely important to the national team since her debut in 2007.
Embed from Getty ImagesGuro Reiten
Guro Reiten is a player that Jayne Ludlow’s side will know all too well.
Despite a battling, disciplined performance in the reverse fixture, Wales succumbed to a 1-0 defeat, courtesy of Reiten’s only goal.
The attacking midfielder is a team-mate of Maren Mjelde at Chelsea, for whom she signed in 2019 from LSK Kvinner for a reported £12,000.
Having appeared for her national team for the first time in 2014, Reiten has since become a key figure, earning 47 caps and scoring nine goals.
Embed from Getty ImagesCaroline Graham Hansen
Certainly Norway’s most dangerous player is Caroline Graham Hansen.
The winger plies her trade for Barcelona, having signed from VFL Wolfsburg in 2019.
Hansen has been in blistering form in the qualifying campaign so far, scoring ten goals in just five games.
With 38 goals to her name in 85 international appearances, the winger is a huge part of a strong Norway outfit that Jayne Ludlow’s side will have to keep keen tabs on if they are to have success at the Cardiff City Stadium.
(Featured Image: Pierre-Yves Beaudouin)
