After a semi-final finish at the Euros in 2022 and a silver medal at the Olympics in 2020, Sweden will again be one of the favourites for the 2023 World Cup. Many of their stars are now into the twilight of their careers, but one who remains in their prime is Stina Blackstenius, their power-house centre-forward capable of banging in the goals. Here is a brief analysis of Blackstenius, and why she will be integral to Sweden’s success in 2023.
NATURAL TARGET
Embed from Getty ImagesStina Blackstenius had a successful first full season at Arsenal, bagging an impressive 0.59 goals per 90, on 0.62 xG. A smart dribbler and competent aerial threat, Blackstenius makes herself the ‘Target’ to be used at any moment for both club and country.
Embed from Getty ImagesShe not only possesses the imposing frame, height and physicality to excel as a ‘Target’, but she’s also supremely quick. This allows her to be used as both an instant outlet directly to her noggin, or to chase long passes or loose-balls in the channels.
In fact, the Arsenal forward is fantastic at perceiving spaces to move into in the final third, allowing her to get on the end of all kinds of creative passes into space and then being the one to deliver into the penalty area instead.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhen you give her the ball, Blackstenius wants to surge forward, using that speed and physicality to break away, where she astutely keeps her body in the way of the nearest defender.
But as a strong and powerful leaper, the Swede also makes herself a threat inside the penalty area to get on the end of crosses.
She even accomplishes all of the other key assets of a ‘Target’ such as the capacity to link up with teammates deeper on the field.
She’s formed a wonderful telepathy with Sofia Jakobsson in recent years, with the two forwards constantly in cahoots over how to cause havoc to the opposition.
Blackstenius is usually more of the goal-scorer between the two despite their similarities, but she’ll happily play the foil in shifting wide as Jakobsson sprints into space in behind.
Embed from Getty ImagesThen put her in front of goal, and the 27-year-old is a confident finisher. She scores all types of different goals, favouring her right foot but also remaining capable of hitting with her left or head.
And all, Stina Blackstenius is a wonderful ‘Target’ for Sweden to have in their phases of possession, and will be their main threat in front of goal. But within a high-intensity front-line, Blackstenius will also be essential to the team’s defensive structures.
PRESSING INTENSITY & PHYSICALITY
Embed from Getty ImagesCombining the undeniable speed with her physical presence, Blackstenius makes herself one of the most frightening forwards in pressing phases. Sweden will look to keep much of the ball at the tournament, which will mean counter-pressing from the front when they lose possession could become essential.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhenever she sees the opposition shaping up to play a backwards pass to the keeper, Blackstenius immediately anticipates the action and ramps up her intensity to put them under pressure.
For Sweden to have success, this level of intensity will be needed, and much of their adventures this summer will be about knowing when to exude that pressure, as opposed to saving their energy resources for other moments.
Nevertheless, Stina Blackstenius is never shy about making her presence felt – and that goes for both the attacking and defensive phases of the game. With that mentality and approach, she will naturally inspire others on her team to rise to that same kind of tenacity. If Sweden are to achieve another fantastic run, Stina Blackstenius will need to be at the top of her game.
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