Anthony Elanga was not selected for the Nations League gathering in November, but now the 22-year-old is back in the national football team for the matches against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland.
Dahl Tomasson did not select Elanga for the final Nations League matches against Slovakia and Azerbaijan last autumn, a decision the national team captain failed to convey to Elanga.
In a recent interview with Expressen, the national team captain claimed that he called the player seven times and also sent messages – without getting a response.
"Many good conversations"
Now the two have spoken.
Anthony made contact and we have had very many good conversations, which is extremely positive. He wants to be part of the team during this period, says Dahl Tomasson during his presentation of the squad.
He is asked if Elanga apologized for not responding when the national team captain got in touch.
No, what happens between a player and a coach stays within the team. But we have had very many good conversations.
"JDT" emphasizes that he still wants to see several players in action.
This squad looks a bit different from the one we had in November. Some players may be involved next time. We must test players. I think I used around 40 players last year.
Two who get a chance now are defender Hjalmar Ekdal and Besfort Zeneli. Elfsborg's midfielder has had the national team captain's eyes on him for a long time – and may make his national team debut.
I have followed him for more than nine months. He has done well in European games. He can play with few touches and he plays forward. Now we'll see how he handles this environment, says Dahl Tomasson.
Robin Olsen made his last national team match against Serbia in June last year. Now he is back. He and Viktor Johansson will each get a start in goal.
"JDT" states that neither of them is to be considered a first choice.
Gathering in Marbella
Routine names like Emil Forsberg, Jens Cajuste, Emil Krafth, Mattias Svanberg, and Ludwig Augustinsson are missing.
Tottenham star Dejan Kulusevski and Daniel Svensson, Dortmund, are both injured.
The national team gathers on Monday in Marbella. On Saturday, March 22, Luxembourg awaits away, and on Tuesday, March 25, Northern Ireland awaits at Strawberry Arena.
Henrik Skiöld/TT
Daniel Kihlström/TT
Facts: National Team Squad
TT
Goalkeepers: Robin Olsen, Aston Villa, Viktor Johansson, Stoke, Kristoffer Nordfeldt, AIK.
Defenders: Gabriel Gudmundsson, Lille, Samuel Dahl, Benfica, Victor Nilsson Lindelöf, Manchester U, Isak Hien, Atalanta, Ken Sema, Pafos, Carl Starfelt, Celta Vigo, Hjalmar Ekdal, Groningen, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Twente.
Midfielders/forwards: Yasin Ayari, Brighton, Lucas Bergvall, Tottenham, Hugo Bolin, Malmö FF, Anthony Elanga, Nottingham, Jesper Karlström, Udinese, Viktor Gyökeres, Sporting, Sebastian Nanasi, Strasbourg, Hugo Larsson, Frankfurt, Anton Salétros, AIK, Alexander Isak, Newcastle, Besfort Zeneli, Elfsborg, Niclas Eliasson, AEK Aten.
