When drawing comparisons with Norway, it cannot be overstated how the outrageous Haaland hauls them up a fair bit. Without him, who knows where they would be?
However, this is not the first time the comparison with our Scandinavian pals has cropped up. It has in the domestic game too.
A matter of months ago, all the talk was about the Bodo/Glimt fairytale in the Champions League.
Their meteoric rise in the past two seasons, from becoming the first Norwegian side to reach the semi-finals of a major European competition when they faced eventual-winners Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League to making the knockout stages on their debut in the continent’s premier club competition last term, caught the attention of almost everyone.
However, this has not been a story of two terms. Bodo/Glimt started again from scratch in 2016 following their relegation from the top flight. Now, they are reaping the rewards.
The club from the Arctic Circle are, understandably, the model for many in Europe now, but they are doing their bit for the national team too – and have been for some time, with one of their goals from their sea change in approach developing local talent.
Only four players in the national squad play in Norway’s domestic league, with three of them signed up to the Glimt, nicknamed Superlaget (The Super Team).
Twenty five of the 26 players all came through on their home shores, with Rangers midfielder Thelo Aasgaard the outsider having learned in Liverpool’s system. Only he and Haaland were not born in Norway.
Clarke named eight players from the Scottish Premiership, while 10 of his men were at clubs in the Premier League and Serie A last season.
Seven did not spend any of their youth days in Scotland.
Following Clarke’s resignation, it is understandable that many supporters will be hoping for a change in the national team, on and off the park.
However, examples like this high-flying, headline-grabbing Norway spark the question if even greater change is required.
