The national team will play against Algeria on Tuesday. The next time the national team coach Jon Dahl Tomasson will gather the team, it will be 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.
This journey 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. In a few days, it will be replaced by a fairly 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”
Furthermore, it speaks in favor of Benfica and Roma agreeing on a permanent transfer. Dahl has been on loan since last winter.
- I hear from agent that it sounds positive. It sounds like it's going in the right direction. I have enjoyed myself since I came and look forward to the future.
Other than the football-related twilight land he found himself in during the fall, when he faced Roma in Serie A.
When the national team gathered in Marbella last fall, Samuel Dahl spoke about 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.
