A number of Manchester City's stars have been away with their national teams during the international break and there has been a mixed bag in terms of performances
Oscar Bobb in action for Norway
Oscar Bobb had a tough time when Norway played New Zealand(Image: Getty Images)
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Oscar Bobb was handed a chance to show what he can do on the international stage when Norway played New Zealand on Tuesday, but ended up the target of a tirade from international boss Stale Solbakken. Manchester City youngster Bobb played the full 90 minutes in Oslo, but the hosts needed rescuing by substitute Antonio Nusa in a 1-1 draw.
Solbakken rang the changes for the friendly after a 5-0 victory over Israel on Saturday moved Norway one step closer to World Cup qualification. Bobb's club team-mate Erling Haaland was among several stars allowed to rejoin their clubs early, and those left behind underwhelmed against the All Whites.
"He lacks everything," Solbakken told Norwegian outlet VG when asked what was missing from Bobb. The 22-year-old started as part of a midfield three, eseentially deputising for the injured Martin Odegaard, but didn't appear to pass his audition.
"He spends a lot of time with the ball, positions himself strangely and doesn't hit the target with his pressing game," Solbakken added. "He's done that in training and has been very good at that. But if you ask Oscar, I think he would say that the first half is the weakest thing he has done for the national team. The second half is the next weakest."
Bobb, for his part, didn't disagree with the manager. He is reported to have accepted Solbakken's summary was a fair one, and may well need to do more if he wants to be a starter by the time the World Cup rolls around.
Norway sit three points ahead of closest challengers Italy with just two qualifying games remaining. However, their far superior goal difference means they can afford to lose to the Azzurri and still top the group as long as they win their other game against Estonia.
Oscar Bobb during Brentford vs Manchester City
Bobb has been in better form for his club side
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After missing a lengthy period with a broken leg, the 22-year-old has been eased back in by club and country. The Israel qualifier was his first competitive international start since June 2024, and he played just 14 Premier League minutes last term before getting fully back into the fold this season.
“Oscar defensively is a machine, he helped us a lot and in the final third," Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said after the Norwegian's performance in the win at Brentford before the international break. “His one-v-one is really good and he made good decisions. I’m really pleased he played good.
“I will encourage him to be more incisive and when he goes one on one, two v two, he can create really big situations. He made an incredible pass to Phil [Foden] which was a clear chance on the penalty spot that he should have got on target. In general, he was really, really good in that 1st half and defensively, offensively - in all aspects and he is a player we trust a lot.”
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