The national team plays against Algeria on Tuesday. Next time, national team coach Jon Dahl Tomasson will gather the team in a tough situation. The World Championship qualifying round begins against Slovenia in Ljubljana on September 5. Only three days later – and a bit further south on the Balkans – Kosovo will host in Pristina.
The trip will, of course, make Samuel Dahl, 22, more than happy. In the industry he works in, he knows better than to focus on something far away.
The focus now is on Algeria at Strawberry arena. A few days later, a young man from Västerås will face a big adventure – the World Championship for clubs – for a young man from Västerås.
- We are already traveling on Wednesday. It will be exciting. It will also be good for me, to get more matches before next season.
“Going in the right direction”
Moreover, it speaks in favor of Benfica and Roma coming to an agreement on a permanent transfer. Dahl has been on loan since last winter.
- I hear from the agent's side that it sounds positive. It sounds like it's going in the right direction. I've been happy since I came and look positively at the future.
Other than the football evening land he was in during the fall, when he took on Roma in Serie A.
When the national team gathered in Marbella in the fall, Samuel Dahl spoke after his longing for playing time, to get into the team – and a dog as a companion. Seven months later, Benfica is willing to pay around 100 million for him. He has taken a place in the team and is doing well.
The dog then?
- I haven't gone any further with the dog. It's hard when you're alone, have to go and train and don't come home until the afternoon. A puppy becomes a completely too big problem.
Valued at 100 million
Have you had time to reflect on what has happened in the past six months?
- Not much, except that I think the time in Roma has strengthened me. Given a bit more skin on the nose and that I can stand up for myself a bit more in this environment. After the matches I got in Benfica, I have absolutely more self-confidence and a better self-esteem.
What do you say about the price tag of 100 million kronor?
- Crazy to hear. I didn't think that when I played in superettan a few years ago. It's hard to take in. For me, it's just a number, but it's crazy to hear that amount about myself.
Benfica's schedule in the World Championship for clubs:
Tuesday, June 17: Boca Juniors (Argentina) in Miami Gardens.
Friday, June 20: Auckland City (New Zealand) in Orlando.
Tuesday, June 24: Bayern Munich (Germany) in Charlotte.
