Roony Bardghji Joins Sweden's National Team for World Cup Qualifiers

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Roony Bardghji Joins Sweden's National Team for World Cup Qualifiers
Photo: Claudio Bresciani/TT

The time is ripe. Jon Dahl Tomasson brings forward the super talent Roony Bardghji in the national team. – He has a brilliant drive, he wants to be the best. That's something I appreciate a lot in an athlete, says the national team captain.

The 19-year-old takes a place in the squad for the World Championship qualifiers at home against Switzerland and Kosovo – in a situation when it's uncertain for the football national team after the weak start in the away matches against Slovenia (2–2) and Kosovo (0–2).

Bardghji, 19, was considered for a first national team chance already in June, but was troubled by injury concerns.

The teenager's strong start in Barcelona has not gone unnoticed by Dahl Tomasson.

"Lysande driv"

It's impressive that a player of that age gets so much playing time in such a huge club. He's still young, but he plays in Barcelona with all the pressure that comes with it, says the national team coach.

Also, Allsvenskan's successful goalkeeper Noel Törnqvist, Mjällby, takes a place in the squad after Robin Olsen chose to quit the national team.

Sweden is still missing Tottenham star Dejan Kulusevski, who is struggling with a knee injury. Last time, he traveled with the team, but that won't be the case this time. Midfielder Sebastian Nanasi is also injured and not selected.

He's in a different phase of his rehab this time, says national team coach Tomasson about Kulusevski.

Captain back

Defender Isak Hien has been troubled by injury problems lately, but Tomasson hopes that the defender will be able to play in the upcoming national team matches.

Isak hasn't been able to play the last two matches due to injury, but hopefully, he's "fit" enough to be able to play, says Tomasson.

Good news is that team captain Victor Nilsson Lindelöf is back in Blågult, after missing the last gathering.

We get back our captain and a leader, says the national team coach.

Carl Starfelt and Emil Holm, who both missed when the qualification began in September, are back in the squad.

John Dahl Tomasson only used Alexander Isak in a short substitute appearance against Kosovo. The plan is for the striker to get more playing time in the upcoming qualifying matches.

Form is getting better and better. He gets minutes in Liverpool that wisely build him up.

"JDT" is also pleased with what he's seen of attacking colleague Viktor Gyökeres in Arsenal.

He looked good against Newcastle, should have gotten a penalty. He looks sharp, works hard, and takes good runs.

Here are the players who are selected for the World Championship qualifying matches against Switzerland (October 10, Solna) and Kosovo (October 13, Gothenburg).

Goalkeepers: Viktor Johansson, Stoke, Kristoffer Nordfeldt, AIK, Noel Törnqvist, Mjällby.

Defenders: Gabriel Gudmundsson, Leeds, Hjalmar Ekdal, Burnley, Isak Hien, Atalanta, Emil Holm, Bologna, Carl Starfelt, Celta Vigo, Victor Nilsson Lindelöf, Aston Villa, Ken Sema, Pafos, Daniel Svensson, Dortmund, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Braga.

Midfielders/forwards: Yasin Ayari, Brighton, Roony Bardghji, Barcelona, Alexander Bernhardsson, Kiel, Anthony Elanga, Newcastle, Jesper Karlström, Udinese, Hugo Larsson, Eintracht Frankfurt, Benjamin Nygren, Celtic, Anton Salétros, AIK, Jordan Larsson, Köpenhamn, Alexander Isak, Newcastle, Lucas Bergvall, Tottenham, Niclas Eliasson, AEK Aten, Viktor Gyökeres, Arsenal.

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By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers
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