19 league goals made Vikings captain Vyton Berisha very interesting to foreign clubs. Against Latvia and the Netherlands, the striker will do everything in his power to make the opponents shine even if the 27-year-old does not enter the field himself.
– I am willing to contribute if I have the opportunity. Then I can contribute to the group with a lot of other things. I can be a substitute for coaching and “support” others in the group. It’s a great band. Of course, not everyone can play, Berisha tells VG.
On Sunday, the Goal Machine narrowed the decisive score 1-0 against Mjøndalen, meaning Viking cemented its grip on third place in the Elite Series. On his way to the national team rally in Oslo, he spoke to VG about the competition to play with Alexander Sorloth (25) and Joshua King (29).
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– You have Sørloth who plays in La Liga and King in the Premier League. So it’s a tough competition. But the most important thing is to win both games now. Whoever plays comes second. Then of course I am ready if the opportunity arises.
– That’s what she said humbly?
– But it’s facts in a way, when you have players who play at a higher level than you.
So, have you been able to travel to a meeting and think your contribution might be “only” contributing positively about the group and supporting others?
– Yes. This is part of the reality, but of course I’d be an extremist employment While training and preparing as if I were going to play, Berisha says.
He made his debut for Norway against Portugal when he was 22 years old. In the same starting lineup five years ago was older brother Fallon (28), who had an impressive career at clubs such as Red Bull Salzburg, Lazio and French Reims, where he plays now. Just a few months later in 2016, Fallon chose to represent his parents’ country, Kosovo, which had become an independent country. For Vuitton, the choice was Norway, where he was born and raised.
– It’s private, of course, but it’s something that happened a long time ago. We talk quite a lot. I follow his matches and he follows my matches. It’s still the close contact we’ve always had, says Fitton Berisha.
Now the striker is the captain and captain of the army for a Viking version that probably hasn’t been better since the golden team in 1991.
The reward is a new place for the national team.
Being in the national team means a lot to me personally and I know it means a lot to the Vikings. I had a really good season. This gives me extra motivation. Berisha says everyone wants to represent their country.
He was quickly impressed with the system introduced by Ståle Solbakken when he arrived at the previous pool after five previous matches with the flag on his chest. There, Viking’s profile was met with clear assignments, something he loves.
It was very nice to be a part of it again and get to know the coaching team. I was impressed with the way the work was done, how detailed things were and how Ståle wanted things. I think it was easy to get in because I got to know my role and how things should be. The striker says I think that was really good.
Among other things, he had a one-on-one conversation with Solbakken Brede Hangeland’s help.
– It’s a conversation I have with everyone who comes here for the first time. It’s about what we want them to contribute, and with Veton getting to those things is very simple. He is an outstanding leader on his team. Among many things, it is one of his really good qualities. My wish was: Even if he comes to a different wardrobe and a different hierarchy, he should do the best he can, be a leader. This was it. I think the Veton was very good, Hangeland told VG.
Berisha has also featured with strong away roles against Turkey. After that, Berisha was fit to start the match against Montenegro at the packed Ullevaal stadium, but in the meantime fell ill.
– I think I did a very good round against Turkey and another less good round against Montenegro, I must say that frankly. It came in and it worked out fine, but there were some situations where there were minor mistakes I was so upset with myself, Berisha says and continues:
I shouldn’t blame much for the disease, but I don’t think I should underestimate it either. I pushed myself during training two days before the game. This may not have been the smartest thing I’ve done. In the evening and night afterwards I was very ill, and had a high fever. Then things got better until Monday and I was in the game. There is no excuse, but it turns out as it happened.
Now the number 14 Vikings is ready for Latvia on Saturday and the Netherlands next Tuesday. With victories in both settlements, Berisha and Norway will also be ready for their first World Cup participation in 24 years.
– Going to the World Cup is possible. It will be difficult, of course, but anything is possible. Berisha assures us that we have a great group and the plan is “first class”.
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