Critics and Players Weigh In on Sweden's Midfield Ahead of Euro 2025
Expert critiques and player responses highlight concerns over Sweden's midfield depth ahead of Euro 2025.
Key Points
- • Hanna Marklund criticizes Sweden's central midfield as the weakest aspect of the team.
- • Julia Zigiotti Olme defends the midfield's effectiveness and confidence.
- • The midfield consists of only three players for two roles, raising injury concerns.
- • Zigiotti Olme aims to make her defensive role her own despite pressure.
As the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 approaches, expert criticisms of Sweden's midfield have sparked debates among players regarding their depth and resilience. Renowned analyst Hanna Marklund has labeled the central midfield as the weakest link in the national team, primarily citing the squad's limited options. The midfield features just three players—Julia Zigiotti Olme, Hanna Bennison, and Filippa Angeldahl—which raises concerns over depth, especially in light of Elin Rubensson's injury, which Marklund believes could hinder performance against top European rivals.
In response, Julia Zigiotti Olme firmly rejected Marklund's critique, asserting that the trio is capable of rotating effectively without a decline in quality. She stated, "I think we feel very stable there. One has to prove her wrong," emphasizing their readiness to support each other on the field. Zigiotti Olme also shared her aim to solidify her role in defense, an area that has been traditionally held by seasoned players like Rubensson and Caroline Seger.
As Sweden gears up for the tournament, the players are under pressure to demonstrate their competence and adaptability within a competitive midfield structure.