Leo Østigård should be inserted into Norway’s starting lineup for the upcoming match against Senegal, according to VG football expert Peter Veland. Despite being sidelined by manager Ståle Solbakken for the past year, the defender’s recent goal against Iraq has intensified calls for his return to the center-back position alongside Kristoffer Ajer.
Why is there pressure to start Leo Østigård?
Veland argues that tournament play requires players with recent, high-level experience. While Torbjørn Heggem has maintained a partnership with Ajer, Veland notes that the match against Iraq highlighted potential defensive vulnerabilities. According to the VG expert, Heggem’s performance against Iraq confirmed suspicions that he is not currently at the required level, despite his status as a debutant.
How do personal circumstances impact player performance?
Leo Østigård is currently balancing intense professional pressure with a significant personal milestone: his fiancée, Aurora Eidmann, is expecting their first child at any moment. Østigård described the situation to VG as “painful and difficult” due to his desire to be in two places at once. Despite the emotional toll, he managed to score a critical goal against Iraq, which Lars Bohinen, a 1994 World Cup veteran, described as a moment of professional redemption.
What is the status of Norway’s offensive rotation?
While Østigård is the primary focus for defensive adjustments, questions persist regarding the roles of Oscar Bobb and Andreas Schjelderup. Peter Veland believes both players are close to breaking into the starting XI but expects them to begin on the bench against Senegal. Veland maintains that against a physically robust and defensively sound team, Solbakken will likely favor the experience and speed of Antonio Nusa and Alexander Sørloth.
Comparison: Solbakken’s tactical transition
The shift in Norway’s defensive hierarchy is stark when compared to the 2022–2024 period, where Østigård was a lock for the starting lineup. Ståle Solbakken previously acknowledged the difficulty of benching the defender, noting that it took Østigård 48 hours to regain his composure after being dropped last June. While Solbakken defends his current use of Heggem, citing his ability to cover the left-back position, the pressure to reintegrate Østigård continues to grow as the tournament progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should Martin Ødegaard be worried about his starting spot? According to Peter Veland, no. Veland states that Ståle Solbakken is not currently considering alternatives for Ødegaard, viewing him as essential to the team’s rhythm.
- Why did Heggem play instead of Østigård against Iraq? Solbakken explained that Heggem’s versatility allowed him to cover the left-back position, which was necessary due to cramps experienced by David Møller Wolfe.
- Has Østigård played much for Norway recently? Yes. While he has only started two matches since being dropped last year, he has featured in all five of Norway’s 2026 matches, logging 132 minutes of play.
Do you think Leo Østigård deserves the start against Senegal, or should Ståle Solbakken stick with the current defensive rotation? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
