For far too many decades, we have been grateful when the Norwegian national team has not been overrun by the biggest nations, while at the same time we have all too often been left with a “if only… we would have won” analysis after another loss. This was before. When we lose 1-2 against Portugal, the result is not now to applaud, but for those who watched the whole game, there were so many parts where the Norwegian game was absolutely outstanding. Andreas Schjelderup was involved this time from the start, no wonder he is getting ready for the really big club transfer.
It’s nothing new that the 22-year-old sparkles with dribbles and jerks on the edge or with fantastic finishing to score, but against Portugal, the Benfica player gave us jaw dropping several times.
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Nuno Mendes is considered one of the world’s very best left-backs. The PSG star is admittedly a notch sharper towards the opponents’ goal than in front of his own, but when Champions League champion PSG back-to-back has Mendes as a given in the starting eleven all the way into the Champions League finals, it says everything about the 24-year-old’s status in the world rankings. When Schjelderup came up with one of his countless runs, dribbles and feints, Mendes (and the other Portuguese defenders) were often behind and even seemed a little dizzy.
Andreas Schjelderup also showed that he is so much more than dribbling. The 22-year-old showed a look, understanding and a passing foot that gives the Norwegian attacking game extra edge.
At the beginning of the month, the editor-in-chief of Portuguese Record stated: “Schjelderup is getting too big for Portuguese football.” Benfica are working hard to persuade the 22-year-old to continue in the league he has played his way into as one of the big stars, but now they are getting ready for the big transfer.
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On Sunday, Schjelderup confirmed that he has switched agents to Jorge Mendes.
“It’s something I’ve been thinking about for quite some time, to make a choice about who represents me, and what I felt was the best. Being in Portugal and Benfica, and they’re one of the best in the world at it, it felt right,” Schjelderup told Nettavisen.
When Cristiano Ronaldo’s former agent connects with a player, this signals the potential and likelihood of the big shift. Jorge Mendes is a guy who only works with the very biggest, or players he thinks will give him the fattest commissions, he represents players like Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and PSG’s João Neves. Now also Andreas Schjelderup.
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The Benfica management understands the giant clubs will turn to Schjelderup in the coming transfer windows, especially after the session where he at times toyed with Nuno Mendes. The red carpets are ready to be rolled out for Schjelderup.
