To say Benjamin Nygren and Sweden have had a mixed time of it at the 2026 World Cup would be an understatement.
It all began so smoothly for the Celtic star. His tournament kicked off in emphatic fashion as Sweden dismantled an out-of-sorts Tunisia 5-1 in their opening match.
But Graham Potter’s side came crashing down against the Netherlands, losing by the same scoreline and getting completely outrun by a vibrant Dutch attack.
Nygren was hooked before the hour mark against Ronald Koeman’s men, as his FIFA data made for rather interesting reading despite the heavy World Cup loss.
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Benjamin Nygren’s data as Sweden are torn apart by the Netherlands at the World Cup
Nygren was Celtic’s top scorer during the double-winning campaign, scoring 21 goals from the middle of the park, including 15 in the Premiership.
But that didn’t stop many from being critical of Nygren, including how much he gets involved on the ball, and what he also provides without it.
Against the Dutch, Celtic’s 2025 summer signing from FC Nordsjælland only made three line-breaking passes. The joint fewest, alongside Viktor Gyökeres, among any of his starting teammates.
- Nygren’s line-breaking passes attempted: 3
- Line-breaking passes completed: 1
One area of the pitch where you can’t criticise Nygren is the impact he makes inside the penalty box.
But he only had one attempt at goal. Although he did make 39 offers to receive the ball, the third most of any of his teammates, his wishes were only met 11 times.
- Offers to receive the ball: 39
- In front: 3
- In between: 19
- Out to in: 4
- In to out: 3
- In behind: 8
As mentioned above, many people question whether Nygren has the legs to compete at the highest level from the middle of the park.
Well, FIFA’s data around his out-of-position work makes for interesting and positive reading for the player.
- Pressing indirect: 34 (more than any of his teammates)
- Pushing on: 32 (more than any of his teammates)
- Pushing on into pressing: 26 (more than any of his teammates)
- Possession intercepted: 2
- High-speed runs: 121 (joint top)
- Sprints: 51 (more than any of his teammates)
- Top speed: 30.9 km.h
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