Antonio Nusa continues to grow in importance for the Norway national team, and his performance against Italy was yet another reminder of the threat he brings on the international stage. The 20-year-old winger displayed his full range of ability in the fixture, underlining why many consider him one of the most dangerous attacking options in Ståle Solbakken’s squad.
Nusa’s performances for his country stand in contrast to his displays at club level. While he dazzles in a Norway shirt, his form for RB Leipzig has been far less convincing. Despite his clear potential, he has struggled to find consistency in Germany, and some have questioned whether he is being utilised properly by his club.
Norway Reap the Rewards of Playing Nusa in His Natural Role
Solbakken believes he has identified the reason for the winger’s contrasting displays. In his view, the key lies in the position Nusa is asked to play. For the national team, he is deployed on the left wing, a role that allows him to exploit his pace, dribbling and eye for goal. At Leipzig, however, he is often used in unfamiliar positions, which may be stifling his effectiveness.
The Norway manager told Dagbladet:
“He is usually good for me, because then he plays in the position he is supposed to (left wing). He never does that in the club team. Then he plays on the right into the field, or wingback. The Bundesliga has not discovered Nusa yet. There he is poor in terms of goals, but here he produces.”
Leipzig Urged to Take Notes from International Setup
RB Leipzig had a difficult campaign last season, falling short of expectations and missing out on Champions League qualification. Nusa’s injury struggles certainly did not help, but even when available, he failed to deliver consistently. That could be down to tactical decisions, with his deployment out of position limiting his natural strengths.
As he continues to impress for Norway, Leipzig would be wise to take notes from the national team setup. Playing Nusa in his most effective role could unlock his full potential at the club level and help both player and team take a step forward in the coming season.
