Norway Goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland Faces Uncertain International Future Amid RB Leipzig Bench Role
Norwegian national team goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland is fighting to retain his starting position ahead of upcoming matches as he remains a clear second-choice option at his club side, RB Leipzig, according to reporting by Dagbladet. The 36-year-old veteran arrived in Portugal wearing a cap and sunglasses as the squad prepared for Sunday’s UEFA Nations League fixture against Portugal at the Estádio do Dragão, where manager Ståle Solbakken has selected Egil Selvik to start in goal.
Nyland faces limited playing time at RB Leipzig
Nyland’s path back to regular international action requires consistent minutes at the club level, but the German club’s setup leaves him with a steep climb. Sten Hornig, who covers RB Leipzig for the German newspaper Bild, told Dagbladet that Nyland is firmly behind Maarten Vandevoordt in the pecking order. Vandevoordt was signed during the summer transfer window as a successor to Peter Gulacsi.
As a seasoned member of the squad, Nyland is primarily expected to maintain high training standards. Hornig noted that the backup goalkeeper is projected to feature in the second round of the DFB-Pokal against Essen in late October. While recent Leipzig reserve goalkeepers have historically managed at least ten appearances per season, Nyland’s immediate minutes remain scarce.
Errors lead to crisis for Norway goalkeeper
The current situation follows a turbulent period for the goalkeeper, who experienced a difficult stint with Sevilla where he played very few matches last season. Following standout performances during Norway’s World Cup campaign—including a crucial display against Brazil that helped secure a quarterfinal appearance against England—he secured a move to RB Leipzig. However, recent outings have drawn negative attention, with local newspaper Leipziger Volkszeitung describing him as a national team goalkeeper in crisis following a series of errors, including a costly mistake during the 2-1 defeat against Wales.
Nyland acknowledged a disrupted start to his German club career due to illness and a two-week injury layoff. “I have had a bit of bad luck at the start,” Nyland told Dagbladet, adding that he feels his training performances have been strong. With Egil Selvik playing regularly for French club Brest and earning the start against Portugal, Nyland faces intense pressure to secure regular club football to defend his status as Norway’s number one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ørjan Nyland’s Club and Country Status
Who does Ørjan Nyland play for at the club level?
Nyland plays for the Bundesliga club RB Leipzig, which he joined after leaving Sevilla.
Why is Egil Selvik starting ahead of Nyland against Portugal?
Egil Selvik gets the start at Estádio do Dragão because Nyland is currently a backup at RB Leipzig and has faced criticism following recent errors for the national team.
When is Nyland’s next potential opportunity for club minutes?
Nyland is expected to start in goal for RB Leipzig when they face Essen in the second round of the DFB-Pokal on October 27.
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