- Strand Larsen brace inspires Norway win
- Striker has chance to prove himself ahead of World Cup
- Palace will be hoping for a strong tournament
Crystal Palace striker Jørgen Strand Larsen started for Norway in their pre-World Cup friendly against Sweden on Monday night. After lifting the Conference League trophy last week, Strand Larsen will be hopeful of getting involved in Norway’s World Cup run.
With Erling Haaland yet to join the squad, Strand Larsen partnered former Palace striker Alex Sørloth up front.
It appears as if Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken favours the two striker formation, and so Strand Larsen will be aiming to be the first option alongside Haaland.
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Stand-out Strand Larsen
Norway beat Sweden 3-1 and Strand Larsen put in a man of the match performance, scoring twice in the first half.
His first goal came from a close range header, converting Julian Ryerson’s cross from the six yard line.
The second came from a corner, and Ryerson assisted once more as Strand Larsen stooped behind Sørloth to head home and double his tally.
A 9.1 FotMob rating saw him crowned Player of the Match, after a performance which will give him a huge chance of starting for Norway going forward.
After a relatively poor start to his life at Palace, a strong World Cup with Norway will set Strand Larsen up for a successful second season at club level.
Pressure building on Strand Larsen
With Jean-Phillipe Mateta’s future still unclear, there is a chance the Frenchman departs from the club this Summer.
This would leave the weight and expectation of goals on the shoulders of the 26-year-old.
Whilst Strand Larsen has shown flashes and moments of excellence in a Palace shirt, the lack of consistent game time has seen him struggle to adapt to the style of play.
In many ways, becoming the sole number nine would likely see his goal return increase.
The pressure is on and fans will demand to see results, but a strong World Cup would be the perfect confidence builder for Strand Larsen ahead of a new season under new management at Palace.
