Daniel Svensson nearly bagged his first goal for Sweden
Borussia Dortmund ace Daniel Svensson is the perfect embodiment of a modern full-back. He's versatile, has great stamina and possesses tactical intelligence, traits which were on full display against Romania on Monday.
The BVB left-back came off the bench once more, perhaps in a tactical tweak to avoid overloading him with playing time, and delivered another encouraging cameo as the Blagult won 1-0 in Bucharest, courtesy of Victor Gyokeres' early strike.
Svensson stars in double role
Replacing Gabriel Gudmundsson in the 54th minute, Svensson began the night in his usual left-back spot and helped Sweden resist Romania's press as the home side aggressively sought an equalizer.
He made two vital interceptions and three recoveries, while winning four of his five attempted duels as Svensson disrupted the home side's attacking rhythm. But he wasn't subbed in to merely defend. The 24-year-old's attacking instincts helped revive momentum for Sweden that had steadily dissipated as the match went on.
Graham Potter's side were visibly knackered after a four-game marathon in just 10 days, but Svensson's introduction changed that. He took the game to Romania with his pace and directness, and even shifted to the left midfield position after a while. Ten of his 18 completed passes came in the opposition half too, as Svensson was crucial to building offensive movements in key areas which brought Romania's guard up.
Svensson nearly bags his first Sweden goal
His best moment of the match though, came in the 91st minute when Svensson struck the post and nearly made it 2-0 for Sweden. With the visitors back in control, it looked like an opening would come anytime, and it's no surprise that it came through their best substitute of the night.
The Blagult broke forward on the counter with Gyokeres finding Svensson in a promising position. The Dortmund man produced a feint to escape the Romanian markers before finding space to shoot and it struck the post. Hampus Skoglund latched on to the rebound but it flew wide.
Just like that, Svensson came agonizingly close to scoring his first international goal, which could have also been a watershed moment in his career with Sweden's national team. But more importantly, the marauding full-back showed how vital he can be in lifting up their attacking spirits as well as gaining defensive control with his clean, versatile and tireless displays.
As Sweden now wrap up their international committments, Svensson returns to Borussia Dortmund unscathed.
