Jorgen Strand Larsen’s poor form at Wolves has hurt his chances with the Norway national team, and the latest game adds to his problems.
When he arrived at Molineux last season, Strand Larsen made his mark on the Premier League with 14 goals in his debut campaign.
Wolves wasted no time in making his move permanent this summer, but he has failed to hit the same heights, scoring just one league goal from the penalty spot and a brace in the Carabao Cup.
His struggles have been plain to see, and they seem to have affected his prospects on the international stage.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Training Session
Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Norway don’t need Jorgen Strand Larsen right now
In their penultimate outing of the World Cup qualifiers, Norway dispatched Estonia with ease to maintain a perfect record that has them top of their qualifying group.
It has been impressive to watch. Their 33 goals is by far the most scored by any country in European qualifiers, and it doesn’t provide much hope for the Wolves striker.
On Thursday evening, Erling Haaland and Alexander Sorloth led the line, scoring a brace each. Strand Larsen was an unused substitute. If he can’t find his form at Molineux, he won’t have a hope of displacing Sorloth.
That’s not the only reason why he needs to improve his performances. Strand Larsen could leave Wolves if they are relegated, but he’ll find it difficult to attract anywhere near the same interest as the window just gone if he can’t start scoring regularly.
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The unfortunate situation he finds himself in could actually be of benefit to Rob Edwards and Wolves. The extra motivation of playing a part in Norway’s first World Cup in 28 years might spur him into action and get him back to last season’s heights.
Another solid Norway display for David Moller Wolfe
David Moller Wolfe in action for Norway
Photo by Grzegorz Wajda/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
While Wolves’ number nine is failing to make an impact for Norway, his compatriot and club teammate continues to impress.
David Moller Wolfe is Norway’s starting left-back, and another assist to Haaland capped off a solid display against Estonia. Moller Wolfe’s performances have impressed Norwegian media, and they may well catch the attention of Edwards as well.
Moller Wolfe’s brace against Chelsea was a big step. The problem he has at Wolves is that he is in competition with Hugo Bueno, who has shown no signs of loosening his grip on the starting role.
They are different players, and the new coach may have his own take on who starts at left-back. All Moller Wolfe can do is to continue impressing for Norway and take his chance at Wolves if/when it comes his way.
As for Strand Larsen, he will be hoping to get some minutes against Italy at the weekend and start on the path to redemption for both club and country.