Benjamin Nygren’s performance in Sweden’s 5-1 World Cup win over Tunisia was impressive on the ball, but one FIFA statistic stands out above all others.
The Celtic star produced 117 high-speed runs in Sweden’s win over Tunisia, combining relentless movement, pressing intensity and efficient use of possession throughout the match.
Modern Celtic attackers are expected to work as hard without the ball as they do with it. Based on the numbers from Monterrey, Nygren looks capable of doing exactly that.
You guys voted for Benjamin Nygren as the player of the season. Would you change your vote if you could go back now?
Celtic supporters should take notice of Nygren’s elite running numbers
The headline figure from FIFA’s Sweden data is Nygren’s 117 high-speed runs, the second-highest total recorded by any Sweden player against Tunisia.
- 117 high-speed runs, second in the Sweden squad
- 30 sprints
- 31.5 km/h top speed
- 8.5km total distance covered
Only Yasin Ayari recorded more high-speed runs with 121. Nygren also outperformed Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Bernhardsson in that category.
While Isak posted the highest top speed at 32.6 km/h, Nygren’s numbers suggest a player capable of repeating intense actions throughout a match rather than relying on occasional bursts.
That distinction matters. Top speed can produce a highlight moment. Repeated high-speed running is what drives a team’s intensity over 90 minutes.
Celtic would value the movement Nygren showed against Tunisia
The Sweden report also highlights how active Nygren was away from the ball. He continually looked to create passing lanes and stretch Tunisia’s defensive structure.
- 24 off-ball offers
- Seven in-behind movements
- Seven in-to-out movements
- Four receptions from those runs
Those figures show a player constantly searching for space. Interestingly, Nygren only received the ball four times from his 24 offers, suggesting his movement often went unrewarded despite repeatedly making himself available.
Supporters often focus on touches and chances created. The underlying data shows Nygren was doing important work long before the ball reached him.
Celtic fans will also like what Nygren did when he got the ball
The physical output was matched by impressive efficiency in possession.
- 14 passes attempted
- 14 passes completed
- 3 line breaks attempted
- 3 line breaks completed
- 2 ball progressions
- 24 pressing actions off the ball
Nygren completed every pass and every line break he attempted while also contributing heavily to Sweden’s press. He recorded nine direct pressing actions and 15 indirect pressing actions during the match.
No single statistic proves a player will succeed at Celtic. However, the combination of 117 high-speed runs, 30 sprints, constant movement and disciplined use of possession produced one of the most eye-catching physical performances in Sweden’s squad.
Those are the numbers Celtic supporters should be paying attention to.
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