Malmö FF's quick-footed dribblers have qualities Potter would like to study in a national team environment.
Now it's time to wait.
Ali will have to wait for the opportunity to make his second international appearance. Instead, Forsberg is up for his 91st.
From the national team base in Estepona in Marbella, Potter explains why he chose a blue-and-yellow veteran when Ali was forced to decline.
Ultimately it's about individual qualities. Taha wasn't available, and there's no one else who's like Taha in terms of the type of player. Then you look at what qualities can be useful and help us.
“Know what it's about”
Emil is a very experienced player, knows what it's about, understands how to handle big matches with the national team. I think that's also important. He's an intelligent player, he can play different roles. He's tactically flexible and can help us.
How important is the experience that Forsberg has?
"That's one of the reasons we chose him. Ultimately, the experience of how these games will be and what they will feel like, especially in March, is very important. Having him in the group and helping the group is important. There are a lot of young players, with different experiences," Potter said.
Emil Forsberg made a Nations League debut against Azerbaijan almost a year ago. It was also the last time he was used by Jon Dahl Tomasson, who was fired in October.
Forsberg is not tainted by a poor Swedish World Cup qualification so far. Instead, he is a player who can contribute positive energy in an environment he is used to.
“Understand how it works”
Graham Potter:
I think all the players understand the situation we've been in and what's happened. And they're all, of course, disappointed. But they play football at the top level. They understand how the world works, how top football works. There are ups and downs, you have periods in your career and with the team where things aren't going so well. But they wouldn't be where they are now if they couldn't handle that situation.
Emil Forsberg has played 90 international matches and scored 21 goals for Sweden.
The midfielder accounted for eleven goals and nine assists in 33 games for his New York Red Bull in the North American league this season.
