After years of mediocrity and bang average players, Norway finally has something to shout about when it comes to international football. The emergence of a certain Erlling Haaland, who we’ll discuss in more detail later, has reconnected a nation with a sport they’ve not always taken too seriously. Now with one of the best talents in world football at their disposal there’s renewed optimism across the Nordic nation. But he’s not the only youngster turning heads. Below we take a look at the 5 best Norwegian Wonderkids in FIFA 22.
Best Norwegian Wonderkids in FIFA 22
5. Osame Sahraoui (Vålerenga Fotball: LW, CM)
Whether it’s on the wing or in the middle of the park, Osame Sahraoui never stops running. A grafter with 74 stamina the 20-year-old is now a regular starter at boyhood club Vålerenga Fotball where he’s made 40 senior appearances in the last two seasons. Still only rated 66 overall but with a potential of 80, Sahraoui is composed on the ball with 73 dribbling and 72 ball control. Standing just 5 ft 4” tall the youngster has a low centre of gravity, incredible balance and natural agility allowing him to glide past defenders with ease. He has a quick turn of pace too with 82 acceleration and 74 sprint speed.
4. Emil Konradsen Ceïde (Sassuolo: LW, RW)
19-year-old Emil Konradsen Ceïde made 61 appearances in three years for Rosenborg before moving on loan to Sassuolo in January 2022. A pacy, agile winger Ceïde is capable of playing on either flank and has the ability to beat a man with 74 dribbling and four star skill moves. With 85 acceleration and 82 sprint speed there will be few defenders in world football capable of going stride for stride with the teenager. He’s rapid. Both crossing and finishing still need improving if he’s to reach his potential of 80 in FIFA 22, but make no mistake he’s definitely one to look out for in years to come.
3. Leo Hjelde (Leeds United: CB, LB)
Elite Norwegian defenders have been few and far between in recent years, but in Leo Fuhr Hjelde they look to have a serious talent on their hands. Still only rated 62 overall but with a potential of 81, the 18-year-old centre back often uses his height to his advantage to dominate opponents in the air at both ends of the pitch. He’s strong too, with 75 strength in FIFA 22.
Highly rated, Hjelde joined Leeds United in the summer of 2021 following stints at Celtic and Ross County. And while he’s yet to feature in the Premier League the teenager did make his senior debut for the Yorkshire club in the FA Cup. Also capable of playing left back, Hjelde is an efficient passer of the ball with 62 short passing and defensively sound with 62 standing tackling and 62 defensive awareness.
2. Andreas Schjelderup (FC Nordsjaelland: CAM, LW, ST)
Similar in his style of play to compatriot Martin Odegaard 17-year-old Andreas Rædergård Schjelderup is another promising attacking talent. Capable of playing anywhere across the front three, the teenager is best suited to the advanced playmaker role where he can utilise his 66 vision, 65 dribbling and 64 short passing to unlock defences.
Rated 65 overall with a potential of 83 Schjelderup has made 31 senior appearances for FC Nordsjaelland after leaving boyhood club Fotballklubben Bodø/Glimt in 2020. Yet to feature for the senior national side, Schjelderup has represented Norway at youth level from the U15s right through to the U21s.
1. Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund: ST)
This man needs no introduction. One of, if not, the most talented and sought after players in world football right now. Erling Haaland has it all, and he’s still only 21-years-old, which is frightening. Deadly in front of goal Haaland has already broken numerous records including the youngest and fastest player to score 20 Champions League goals, the first player to score at least two goals in four consecutive Champions League games and the first player to score 25 goals in his first 25 Bundesliga games. Prolific.
His ridiculous goal scoring record is backed up with 94 finishing, 94 shot power and 85 composure in FIFA 22. Physically he’s an absolute beast. Standing 6ft 4” tall the Dortmund striker has 93 strength and is ridiculously quick with 94 sprint speed and 82 acceleration making him a nightmare to defend against.
Despite his age Haaland is already rated 88 overall, and with a potential of 94 it’s clear to see why Man City, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and the rest of Europe’s elite are all keeping tabs on a generational talent who’s set to dominate world football for the next decade – good luck to all defenders out there, you’ll need it.
It’s 22 years since Norway last qualified for a major international tournament. But now, with the most talented player in the country’s history leading the line and a crop of promising youngsters in support, it’s surely only a matter of time before the Drillos return to the big stage and compete with the world’s elite.
