Swedish press tip Anthony Elanga for World Cup play-off call-up

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Anthony Elanga scored the biggest goal of his career this week with a crucial strike to claim a draw away at Atletico Madrid.

The goal made Elanga the fifth youngest scorer for United in the Champions League, and the youngest to net his first goal in the knockout stages.

Unsurprisingly, Elanga’s impact has made headlines in his native Sweden, where he was born 19 years ago.

Elanga is a regular at under-21 level for Sweden, where he has scored seven goals in his last seven games.

Now a senior international call-up beckons for Sweden’s upcoming World Cup play-offs.

Sweden call-up likely

Elanga’s under-21 performances for Sweden have already marked him as a player for the future, and with Sweden depending on 40-year-old Zlatan Ibrahimovic, they need extra help up front to help alongside the Milan star and Alexander Isak.

Ibrahimovic is suspended for Sweden’s first upcoming World Cup play-off match, which further enhances Elanga’s chance of a call-up.

Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet write it would be ‘Sensational if Elanga is not selected,” adding, “Atleti did not get hold of him, now it’s time for Janne Andersson (Sweden boss) to try.”

Sweden are soon set to announce their squad for the World Cup qualifying play-offs to take place at the end of March.

They face Czech Republic, and then the winner of Russia and Poland, with one spot available for the four teams.

Swedish outlet Fotboll Skanalen reported this week that Cameroon are set to try and convince Elanga to play for them, the country his dad represented at World Cup 1998.

But with Elanga playing for Sweden under-21s, there is not an undue sense of panic, although this is further likely to encourage Sweden into calling him up for the upcoming qualifiers.

More praise

Fotboll Skanalen also reported comments from columnist Olof Lundh, who also backed Elanga for a Sweden call-up, writing, ‘he can add something’.

Swedish newspaper Expressen remarked upon Elanga’s sudden importance to Manchester United.

The report read: “What is the plan this summer when they are again expected to change coaches? Not even God knows, one must assume. Luckily they have Anthony Elanga anyway. 

If all goes to plan next month for Elanga, he could set himself up for a potential starring role at World Cup 2022 later this year.