Just like at Celtic, it’s a new dawn for Benjamin Nygren on the international stage.
The versatile Celtic forward has found life tough in Sweden colours, hardly playing, and also watching his team really struggle in their push to reach the 2026 World Cup.
So much so that Sweden brought in Graham Potter after recently sacking Jon Dahl Tomasson, who had them bottom of Group B, as the Englishman took charge of his first game on Saturday evening.
It came against table-toppers Switzerland. Potter handed Nygren a rare start after he didn’t play a single minute during the October international break, and star striker Alexander Isak was dropped to the bench.
And the Celtic man did what he does best: score, but it came at a cost.
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Sweden fans react to Benjamin Nygren’s performance in Graham Potter’s first game in charge vs Switzerland
Sweden’s chances of qualifying automatically for the 2026 World Cup in America, Canada and Mexico are over, but they have a chance via UEFA’s play-off system.
After they failed to score a single goal during their last three international outings, Nygren finally ended that wait by netting the equalising goal against Switzerland.
Following a cross from Anthony Elanga from the left flank, just like he does for Celtic, Nygren was waiting just inside the penalty area all on his own. He took a brilliant touch and fired the ball into the bottom corner with his left foot.
It delighted the Sweden fans, with some suggesting he is better than the big-name players that are usually selected to start, as he also scored his third goal in seven matches for his country.
But that’s all the Swedish fans could cheer about because they would go on to lose the game 4-1.
@NobilePicave put Nygren in the top category despite defeat: ‘Good: Ayari, Elanga, Nygren, Holm. Mid: Lagierbielke, Svanberg, Karlström, Svensson. Not good: Hien, Gudmundsson, Bernhardsson.’
@GAISeHorungar_ thinks Sweden needs Nygren: ‘The national team needs Nygren to score goals.’
@Kjunkka2 stated that Celtic’s summer signing looked ‘sharp’: ‘Nygren and Elanga looking sharp! Liked what I’ve seen from Lagerbielke except for the goal, though. Bring on Roony in the second half and we’ll win this!!’
@markushankins wasn’t surprised that Sweden were able to produce their best with Nygren on the pitch: ‘This year’s least surprising: Emil Holm and Benjamin Nygren are together with Anthony Elanga the best in (the national) team during the first half.’
@emiltollborg10 was delighted for Nygren: ‘So thrilling to see Nygren score!’
A fan-related page reacted to Nygren’s goal, as @SwedeStats simply stated: ‘GOOOOOOOOOAL! BENJAMIN NYGREN, 1-1!’
@wolfseye92 couldn’t believe his nation managed to score a goal: ‘Sweden scores a goal…’
@olaaa888a saw it coming: ‘As one knew Nygren would score.’
@Piquemaajestic3 made his feelings clear: ‘Nygren > Isak och Gyökeres.’
@Nova2punkt0 praised Potter for Nygren’s goal: ‘Have to give it to Potter. This was unimaginable under JDT (Jon Dahl Tomasson).’
Another shout that Nygren is better than Isak and Gyökeres: ‘Nygren is better than the two overhyped players Isak and Gyökeres.’
Nygren’s game in numbers
This was a good outing for Nygren, and yes, these matches don’t have significance on what happens to them right now.
But they need to build some momentum under Potter, ahead of those play-offs next year, as Nygren could play a big part.
In his first outing under the new manager, Sofascore handed him a rating of 7.3, despite his team’s 4-1 defeat. The highest-rated player among his teammates.
- Minutes: 90
- Goals: 1
- Total shots: 2
- Touches: 37
- Fouled: 2
- Passes in the opposition half: 9/14 (64%)
- Accurate long balls: 2
- Interceptions: 1
- Recoveries: 1
- Ground duels (won): 3
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