Anthony Elanga scored his first ever international goal to cap off a great breakthrough season.
Tim Clayton/Corbis photo via Getty Images
In a Scandinavian derby against Norway, Elanga came off the bench with Sweden down 2-0 to an Erling Haaland brace.
With an injury-time goal, the Manchester United prospect pulled one back to make it 2-1. And, in terms of goals, it was a solid effort - a memorable way for Elanga to score his maiden international goal.
L'Equipe's 16th and final but of a fun night on the L'Equipe's antennas! And Anthony Elanga, Manchester United's young defender, is the first in the Swedish selection!
via Getty Images, CHRISTINE OLSSON/TT NEWS AGENCY/AFP
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Elanga scored his country's first goal.
This was only Elanga's third international appearance for Sweden. I've played in all three games as a substitute.
After a rough conclusion to the season for Manchester United, this goal was exactly what the 20-year-old needed. After some fantastic link-up play with his teammates, he curled in a shot from outside the box.
Elanga was a bright spot for United this season, scoring a Champions League goal away at Atletico Madrid, as well as goals against Leeds and Brentford.
However, his goal against Atletico was his final of the season, and he appeared to be worn down by United's general malaise.
This has nevertheless been a fantastic season for the teenager, who made significant progress under interim manager Ralf Rangnick in 2022. His promotion to Sweden's senior squad reflects his first-team success.
Now he has work hard in pre-season to impress new boss Erik ten Hag, and his international achievements will help him tremendously.
They may have been some of the dark arts, but when they go to training with the new first-team manager, they must demonstrate that they want it. Sometimes I get the idea that young men are promoted to the first team because they can pass the ball, but they must demonstrate a genuine drive to make an impression and a desire to succeed.
"This season, Anthony Elanga is a fantastic illustration of that; he went up there and purportedly worked hard every day in training. Then he was at it in games, and he stayed there.
"You don't want to be on the first team, therefore only have one or two players.
Sweden plays Serbia later this week before facing Norway, and Elanga's goal puts him in a great position to make his first start for his country.
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