When Pia Sundhage picked her first competitive squad for The Algarve Cup it was a squad that mixed experience with youth. From Linköping, the established Internationals of Sofia Lundgren and Nilla Fischer were obvious choices. Was also exciting to see Jessica Samuelsson get her second call up as she has been outstanding at left back.
Yet I was surprised to see two players not to be in the squad were Linköpings Petra Larsson and former player Louise Fors, now at Liverpool.
Both players made trips to Australia after the 2012 Damallsvenskan season ended playing for Sydney and Melbourne. I followed both carefully, and it was clear that they were playing their best football ever. Larsson played in the final and ended up a runner up following a tough final. Fors was allowed the freedom to play in Midfield, and her goals were of the highest quality.
Fors is a rare player, gifted with both feet, can hit a thumping free kick, adept passer and good in the air. Larsson is the most consistent player at Linköping, also a fantastic free kick and corner taker, skilled at tackling and also a pin point passer.
I hope that Pia does not become a manager who overlooks players that play outside of Sweden, I do feel Fors and Larsson can become part of Euro 2013. Would be great to see them play.
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Petra Larsson
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Louise Fors