' Latest on Matt Dæhli '

Dæhli plays center midfield in tomorrows match England v Norway at Wembley...

Dæhli plays center midfield in tomorrows match England v Norway at Wembley...

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Dæhli plays center midfield in tomorrows match England v Norway at Wembley...

It will be interesting to see how he gets on, England seem to be in steady decline.......

like to see him getting a hatrick tomorrow

That's his natural position and when Noone comes back i hope ole puts daehli there so he can feed the strikers.

That's his natural position and when Noone comes back i hope ole puts daehli there so he can feed the strikers.

Very possible. I know Ole and the Norwegian coach are frequently debating how Daehli should be used, so a good match for Norway in that position wouldn´t pass Ole unnoticed.

That's his natural position and when Noone comes back i hope ole puts daehli there so he can feed the strikers.

Definately his best position. Pre season he was the player I was most looking forward seeing tear the championship up. He seems a bit lost out on the left imo.

Anyone know if Eikrem is in the squad?

Pleased for him, hope he does well. Will cause them problems

That's his natural position and when Noone comes back i hope ole puts daehli there so he can feed the strikers.

Definately his best position. Pre season he was the player I was most looking forward seeing tear the championship up. He seems a bit lost out on the left imo.

Agreed i don't think he has got enough pace to play on the wing but when he is playing in the middle you see the best of him with his through balls to the strikers like what he did against fulham and huddersfield with kenwyne jones.

Dæhli plays center midfield in tomorrows match England v Norway at Wembley...

Well done Jet, in just over 20 mins you got over 1,000 views

Look forward to seeing Matts tear up England

Anyone know if Eikrem is in the squad?

No Eikrem vs England and Italy

Anyone know if Eikrem is in the squad?

No, he´s not. Neither is Berget.

Tuesday 2nd September 2014

Is Cardiff City's Mats Daehli the man to rescue Norwegian football?


Ole Gunnar Solskjaer plays down the hype

Cardiff City manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer pleads with the media to keep the pressure off Mats Moller


Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to keep the pressure away from Cardiff City’s teenage midfield maestro Mats Daehli.

The teenager is being lauded as the player to rescue his nation in some parts of the Norwegian press, but Solskjaer is quick to say: “Hang on, give the youngster a chance.”

Daehli was man of the match for the Bluebirds at Fulham, setting up their equaliser with an exquisite pass for Kenwyne Jones to score.

Solskjaer himself has compared his starlet to David Silva and Samir Nasri, while Daehli is set to play for Norway against England at Wembley this week.

A second shining performance in London in the space of a week will earn the Bluebirds ace even greater reviews, but Solskjaer believes it is time to calm down any over-the-top media adulation.


“It is natural that Mats will be selected for Norway. but maybe a little unfair to point him out as a number one key player for in the upcoming matches,” said the Cardiff boss.

“He is not the leader type. Mats is a leader by example. He never hides and wants the ball even if the space is limited.

“Mats has developed hugely the last year or so and that was expected after what we saw from him in Molde.”

The big question, at least from Cardiff City’s viewpoint, is where Daehli should play to bring out his best form?

Solskjaer tends to start his Norwegian ace in wide areas. He played on the left in midfield from the start at Craven Cottage, but soon switched to the right and his link with John Brayford down that side proved far more productive.

Daehli doesn’t have sizzling pace, but his close control, balance and ability to beat players in a tight space are going to be massive for the Bluebirds this season. He likes to dart inside from those wide areas and when he did that just before the hour against Fulham the result was a beautifully worked equaliser for Keneyne Jones.

Many wonder whether the diminutive Daehli has the physical attributes and strength to cope with the hurly-burly of Championship football.


But he has spent a lot of time in the gym over the summer building himself up, giving him a more physical bulk.

“I have been working to be stronger and I’ve done that to be better as a player, not just for playing in this league,” said Daehli. “I want to improve aspects of my game, but at the same time I don’t want to change my game.

“I just want to do what I do best even better. I think I’m at my best when I am on the ball and try to make something happen.

“Defenders don’t like that in the Championship and I just want to keep doing that.”

He will answer any doubts over the physical demands he faces over the next few months when the rain and the mud enter the Championship equation, but has already shown he has an appetite for playing football no matter what the challenges.

Clubs from around Europe have been watching Daehli’s development closely and there have been enquiries from leading clubs, but chairman Mehmet Dalman has firmly turned them down.

Daehli is comfortable working with Solskjaer, a fellow Norwegian who was his coach at Manchester United and Molde.

It’s true that if Cardiff are not promoted back to the Premier League this season then City will find it difficult to keep Daehli, but there is confidence within the camp that the Bluebirds will go up - and the young man from Oslo will be a key player in the team.

Solskjaer admitted he was intrigued by the midfield battle involving former England international Scott Parker and Daehli during the 1-1 draw. Fulham went ahead when Tom Hoogland headed home, getting in front of City centre-back Sean Morrison to head home, with Jones equalising from Daehli’s astute through ball just before the hour.

It was a great battle between the old and the new. Veteran Parker was outstanding, directing Fulham moves from the start, while the creative Daehli was Cardiff’s best player and came up with the vision to earn the Bluebirds their draw.

“They are two different types of players, but it was a good battle between them,” said Solskjaer. “I’ve always been a Scott Parker fan and every footballer can learn from a player of that quality.”

While Daehli prepares for international duty against England, Solskjaer will work towards Cardiff’s back-to-back home matches, against Norwich and Middlesbrough, coming up.

He must find the right balance in City’s midfield, establish his playing philosophy and enable his Bluebirds to achieve the consistent team performances they need.

That was underlined at Fulham where City were poor in the first half when Morrison was among those found wanting, while they stuttered and spluttered through midfield.

Solskjaer did not make any changes at half-time and scarcely tweaked his formation, but Cardiff players came out with a new spring in their step.

Why? What was the difference?

Clearly, the manager had made his point that the showing before half-time wasn’t good enough and unless there was an improvement fast changes would be made.

We haven’t seen a full, consistent and impressive display from the Bluebirds over 90 minutes yet.

Those home matches coming up are an ideal opportunity if Solskjaer’s side they are going to show supporters the promotion chase is well and truly on.

If it is to be, then Mats Moller Daehli will be a key figure. Have no doubt about that.

Is that first time he gets to start in central midfield?
Article in WOL says the club turned down some big clubs that was after him in the summer really glad he isn't for sale

Is that first time he gets to start in central midfield?
Article in WOL says the club turned down some big clubs that was after him in the summer really glad he isn't for sale

Probably yes, this will very likely be the first Norwegian 4-5-1 / 4-4-1-1 formation since Høgmo took over as boss. Against England and Italy you need wings that are natural wings or you're just cruising for a bruising, like against France.

Really looking forward to seeing Dæhli in a more natural position.

Is that first time he gets to start in central midfield?
Article in WOL says the club turned down some big clubs that was after him in the summer really glad he isn't for sale

Probably yes, this will very likely be the first Norwegian 4-5-1 / 4-4-1-1 formation since Høgmo took over as boss. Against England and Italy you need wings that are natural wings or you're just cruising for a bruising, like against France.

Really looking forward to seeing Dæhli in a more natural position.

I am as well & hope he has a great game.
Where's Ekriem? Is he injured or just not deemed good enough for the squad? Do you know?

Is that first time he gets to start in central midfield?
Article in WOL says the club turned down some big clubs that was after him in the summer really glad he isn't for sale

Probably yes, this will very likely be the first Norwegian 4-5-1 / 4-4-1-1 formation since Høgmo took over as boss. Against England and Italy you need wings that are natural wings or you're just cruising for a bruising, like against France.

Really looking forward to seeing Dæhli in a more natural position.

I am as well & hope he has a great game.
Where's Ekriem? Is he injured or just not deemed good enough for the squad? Do you know?

He's probably classified as 'not match fit' since he's played just about 90 minutes of competitive football yet this season. Stefan Johansen however, has played almost every minute of every match for Celtic, so is a more justified selection for the team. And I might be wrong, but I think Ruben Yttergård Jenssen has also played more football so far this season for Kaiserslautern.

Is that first time he gets to start in central midfield?
Article in WOL says the club turned down some big clubs that was after him in the summer really glad he isn't for sale

Probably yes, this will very likely be the first Norwegian 4-5-1 / 4-4-1-1 formation since Høgmo took over as boss. Against England and Italy you need wings that are natural wings or you're just cruising for a bruising, like against France.

Really looking forward to seeing Dæhli in a more natural position.

I am as well & hope he has a great game.
Where's Ekriem? Is he injured or just not deemed good enough for the squad? Do you know?

He's probably classified as 'not match fit' since he's played just about 90 minutes of competitive football yet this season. Stefan Johansen however, has played almost every minute of every match for Celtic, so is a more justified selection for the team. And I might be wrong, but I think Ruben Yttergård Jenssen has also played more football so far this season for Kaiserslautern.

Cheers. Norway supporter for tonight! lol
You live in Norway or UK?

Is that first time he gets to start in central midfield?
Article in WOL says the club turned down some big clubs that was after him in the summer really glad he isn't for sale

Probably yes, this will very likely be the first Norwegian 4-5-1 / 4-4-1-1 formation since Høgmo took over as boss. Against England and Italy you need wings that are natural wings or you're just cruising for a bruising, like against France.

Really looking forward to seeing Dæhli in a more natural position.

I am as well & hope he has a great game.
Where's Ekriem? Is he injured or just not deemed good enough for the squad? Do you know?

He's probably classified as 'not match fit' since he's played just about 90 minutes of competitive football yet this season. Stefan Johansen however, has played almost every minute of every match for Celtic, so is a more justified selection for the team. And I might be wrong, but I think Ruben Yttergård Jenssen has also played more football so far this season for Kaiserslautern.

Cheers. Norway supporter for tonight! lol
You live in Norway or UK?

So far north in Norway, I deliver milk to Santa

Is that first time he gets to start in central midfield?
Article in WOL says the club turned down some big clubs that was after him in the summer really glad he isn't for sale

Probably yes, this will very likely be the first Norwegian 4-5-1 / 4-4-1-1 formation since Høgmo took over as boss. Against England and Italy you need wings that are natural wings or you're just cruising for a bruising, like against France.

Really looking forward to seeing Dæhli in a more natural position.

I am as well & hope he has a great game.
Where's Ekriem? Is he injured or just not deemed good enough for the squad? Do you know?

He's probably classified as 'not match fit' since he's played just about 90 minutes of competitive football yet this season. Stefan Johansen however, has played almost every minute of every match for Celtic, so is a more justified selection for the team. And I might be wrong, but I think Ruben Yttergård Jenssen has also played more football so far this season for Kaiserslautern.

Cheers. Norway supporter for tonight! lol
You live in Norway or UK?

So far north in Norway, I deliver milk to Santa

Haha ooh chilly!
You ever seen a City match live?

Is that first time he gets to start in central midfield?
Article in WOL says the club turned down some big clubs that was after him in the summer really glad he isn't for sale

Probably yes, this will very likely be the first Norwegian 4-5-1 / 4-4-1-1 formation since Høgmo took over as boss. Against England and Italy you need wings that are natural wings or you're just cruising for a bruising, like against France.

Really looking forward to seeing Dæhli in a more natural position.

I am as well & hope he has a great game.
Where's Ekriem? Is he injured or just not deemed good enough for the squad? Do you know?

He's probably classified as 'not match fit' since he's played just about 90 minutes of competitive football yet this season. Stefan Johansen however, has played almost every minute of every match for Celtic, so is a more justified selection for the team. And I might be wrong, but I think Ruben Yttergård Jenssen has also played more football so far this season for Kaiserslautern.

Cheers. Norway supporter for tonight! lol
You live in Norway or UK?

So far north in Norway, I deliver milk to Santa

Haha ooh chilly!
You ever seen a City match live?

Sadly I'm too poor for that, though it's looking up in that regard so hopefully I will soon.

Is that first time he gets to start in central midfield?
Article in WOL says the club turned down some big clubs that was after him in the summer really glad he isn't for sale

Probably yes, this will very likely be the first Norwegian 4-5-1 / 4-4-1-1 formation since Høgmo took over as boss. Against England and Italy you need wings that are natural wings or you're just cruising for a bruising, like against France.

Really looking forward to seeing Dæhli in a more natural position.

I am as well & hope he has a great game.
Where's Ekriem? Is he injured or just not deemed good enough for the squad? Do you know?

He's probably classified as 'not match fit' since he's played just about 90 minutes of competitive football yet this season. Stefan Johansen however, has played almost every minute of every match for Celtic, so is a more justified selection for the team. And I might be wrong, but I think Ruben Yttergård Jenssen has also played more football so far this season for Kaiserslautern.

Cheers. Norway supporter for tonight! lol
You live in Norway or UK?

So far north in Norway, I deliver milk to Santa

Haha ooh chilly!
You ever seen a City match live?

Sadly I'm too poor for that, though it's looking up in that regard so hopefully I will soon.

Is that first time he gets to start in central midfield?
Article in WOL says the club turned down some big clubs that was after him in the summer really glad he isn't for sale

Probably yes, this will very likely be the first Norwegian 4-5-1 / 4-4-1-1 formation since Høgmo took over as boss. Against England and Italy you need wings that are natural wings or you're just cruising for a bruising, like against France.

Really looking forward to seeing Dæhli in a more natural position.

I am as well & hope he has a great game.
Where's Ekriem? Is he injured or just not deemed good enough for the squad? Do you know?

He's probably classified as 'not match fit' since he's played just about 90 minutes of competitive football yet this season. Stefan Johansen however, has played almost every minute of every match for Celtic, so is a more justified selection for the team. And I might be wrong, but I think Ruben Yttergård Jenssen has also played more football so far this season for Kaiserslautern.

I don´t think Eikrem has been picked even once after Høgmo took over the team. There are plenty of talented Norwegian midfielders at the moment, and sitting on the bench is the Championship is just not good enough. Even Tettey, playing regularly in the PL last season, was never an obvious choice.

Is that first time he gets to start in central midfield?
Article in WOL says the club turned down some big clubs that was after him in the summer really glad he isn't for sale

Probably yes, this will very likely be the first Norwegian 4-5-1 / 4-4-1-1 formation since Høgmo took over as boss. Against England and Italy you need wings that are natural wings or you're just cruising for a bruising, like against France.

Really looking forward to seeing Dæhli in a more natural position.

I am as well & hope he has a great game.
Where's Ekriem? Is he injured or just not deemed good enough for the squad? Do you know?

He's probably classified as 'not match fit' since he's played just about 90 minutes of competitive football yet this season. Stefan Johansen however, has played almost every minute of every match for Celtic, so is a more justified selection for the team. And I might be wrong, but I think Ruben Yttergård Jenssen has also played more football so far this season for Kaiserslautern.

I don´t think Eikrem has been picked even once after Høgmo took over the team. There are plenty of talented Norwegian midfielders at the moment, and sitting on the bench is the Championship is just not good enough. Even Tettey, playing regularly in the PL last season, was never an obvious choice.

He was in the team against Scotland, wasn't he? Seem to remember him having a decent game too.

Tettey I think has been picked when on form and not injured. And he is picked now. Nordtveit isn't exactly on form these days.

Though I do agree that midfield is our strongest link, in fact I'm a proponent of playing 4-6-0!

33/1 1st goal tonight
14/1 anytime goal

Dæhli is in the starting line-up

Unfortunately as left wing.

...In a 4-4-2 with Joshua King...
Ugh

Go on Mats

Dæhli is in the starting line-up

Unfortunately as left wing.

...In a 4-4-2 with Joshua King...
Ugh

Seems weird to use King as a striker - plays right wing for Blackburn, right?

Will be exiting to see what Daehli can accomplish on the left flank, anyway. Elabdellaoi on the left back is a great player - could be an interesting link there.

Dæhli is in the starting line-up

Unfortunately as left wing.

...In a 4-4-2 with Joshua King...
Ugh

I thought he was playing cam?