Antonio Nusa: the RB Leipzig winger England must contain beyond Haaland at World Cup

England’s defenders will have Erling Haaland at the top of their minds when they face Norway in Miami, but RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa is shaping up to be just as significant a problem for the Three Lions.

Nusa, 21, announced himself at this World Cup by curling a stunning effort past Ivory Coast in the round of 32 in Dallas, and Norway head coach Stale Solbakken has made the former Club Brugge forward his primary wide outlet. The winger averaged 6.5 take-ons per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga last season — a figure bettered only by his Leipzig team-mate Yan Diomande, who is valued at £111m and has attracted interest from Liverpool.

His directness is straightforward but effective: receive the ball, drive to the byline and cross, or cut inside and shoot. He is equally comfortable going either way, which could pose a particular challenge for England given that right-back has been an unsettled position for the Three Lions throughout this tournament.

During Norway’s 2-0 victory over Brazil in New Jersey, Nusa — despite being withdrawn at half-time — registered the same number of touches as two-goal Haaland (30). That statistic underlines how central he is to Norway’s build-up, even when Haaland is the focal point of the attack.

Only injuries have so far prevented Nusa from fulfilling his considerable potential at club level. A back issue derailed a proposed £25m move to Brentford in January 2024, with loose knee cartilage also flagged during medical examinations. Tottenham had also been monitoring him during that same window. He has not allowed those setbacks to derail him, though back problems have not been entirely resolved.

Norway’s attack is not limited to Nusa and Haaland. Captain Martin Odegaard provides technical quality in midfield, while Alexander Sorloth, Oscar Bobb, and 22-year-old Benfica forward Andreas Schjelderup add further depth. Schjelderup came off the bench to register two assists against Brazil, benefiting in part from the space Nusa’s direct running had created.

England have spoken throughout this tournament about ‘pounding the rock’ — wearing down opponents through sustained pressure before their substitutes close out games. Norway are operating with a similar philosophy, and Nusa is central to making it work.