Whilst his club career is somewhat in limbo, Joshua King may be set to shine on the international stage very soon.
King, 20, has suffered a number of injuries that have hindered his progress, with his loan to Borussia Mönchengladbach initially held up by a groin injury.
Whilst the move didn’t pan out as expected and ended up being terminated by mutual consent, a more productive spell at Hull reminded people of the talent he possesses and Norway coach Egil Olsen is keen to take advantage of this, even if King isn’t in the first team picture at Old Trafford.
Speaking in Norwegian daily Dagbladet, the manager of the national team said:
“He got certain qualities that we miss, like his extreme pace. It might that it’s just a matter of time until he gets a call from me, and a chance to play for the senior national team. It’s difficult to say how soon, but he’s very close at the moment.”
Whilst primarily a striker, Olsen feels a move to the wing could help King. U21 coach Per Joar Hansen agrees and pointed to a recent performance against Austria to support his suggestion:
“I’ve watched him with the youth-team (National side), and he’s been really impressive. He’s been destroying a few full-backs.”
Whilst Joar Hansen added,
“Their rightback plays at the top level in Austria, and he said that he’s never faced a player like Josh.
“His top level is simply through the roof.
“But if he’s to play as a winger on an international scale, he has to be able to put in a shift in defense aswell as well as going forward. He’s at a top level going forward, but he has to be a part of the team defensively aswell.”
Joar Hansen feels that as long as King can perform at the top level then there should be no qualms about introducing him into the national team and the fact he isn’t a typical Norwegian player will aid him in his endeavours:
“It’s all about performances, if he performs well, he’ll get his chance.
“He’s not typically Norwegian in his style of play, like a huge ability to get in behind the defence, he’s strong and quick and he’s able to take on a man.
“He’s also able to play both up top and out on the wings, which is always great for a coach.”
Thanks to to @krissjohansen for the translation.
It’s interesting that they are converting him into a left winger. I don’t know his future at Man Utd and maybe he will be sold or loaned out again. I don’t know if Man Utd will convert him into a winger as well but it could be interesting. I have a feeling Nani might be leaving this week, and that would leave us with just Young and Valencia as the wide players. It might be that Joshua King could be used as an option on the wings.