19-year-old FC Barcelona winger Roony Bardghji has received his first call-up to the Sweden national team squad, as Jon Dahl Tomasson readies his side for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland and Kosovo.
Capped 11 times at Under-21 level, Bardghji has made two starts and another appearance off the bench in LaLiga for Hansi Flick's side since moving from FC Copenhagen in the summer. Tomasson outlined how he has been impressed with the teenager.
"It's impressive that a player of that age gets so much playing time in such a huge club. He has a brilliant drive, he wants to be the best. It's something I appreciate a lot in an athlete. He's still young, but he plays in Barcelona with all the pressure that exists there."
The Kuwait-born right-winger, who spent time in the Malmo academy as a youngster before heading to Denmark, now has the chance to make a name for himself with the Sweden fans, whose side are desperate for points following a disappointing September international window.
Having conceded a late leveller in their opener against Slovenia, Blagult then were beaten by Kosovo, leaving them third in the four-team Group C, five points off leaders Switzerland.
Anything other than six points from home games against the Swiss on Friday 10th and Kosovo on Monday 13th is surely a must if Sweden are to retain any hopes of topping the group.
Other than Bardghji, much of the focus has been on who has not been included in the Sweden squad, as veteran goalkeeper Robin Olsen has quit the national team, as he refuses to work with Tomasson.
For the full story on Olsen's absence, click here.
Star strikers Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres are available for selection, but this international window has come too soon for Dejan Kulusevski, who is still sidelined through a knee injury.
The Sweden squad in full
Goalkeepers: Viktor Johansson, Kristoffer Nordfeldt, Noel Tornqvist.
Defenders: Gabriel Gudmundsson, Hjalmar Ekdal, Isak Hien, Emil Holm, Carl Starfelt, Victor Lindelof, Ken Sema, Daniel Svensson, Gustaf Lagerbielke.
Midfielders: Yasin Ayari, Roony Bardghji, Alexander Bernhardsson, Jesper Karlstrom, Hugo Larsson, Anton Saletros, Lucas Bergvall, Niclas Eliasson.
Forwards: Anthony Elanga, Viktor Gyokeres, Alexander Isak, Jordan Larsson, Benjamin Nygren.
