Oliver Provstgaard could be handed a demanding international assignment after Atalanta’s Christensen was ruled out, with the Lazio defender now among the leading options for Denmark ahead of Thursday’s meeting with Norway.
The central defender is preparing for a busy spell with the national side, beginning against a Norwegian team led by Erling Haaland. Provstgaard may find himself directly responsible for limiting one of Europe’s most prolific forwards, but he views the occasion as part of the reason players reach this level.
“My aim is simply to show what I can do,” Provstgaard said as he looked ahead to the fixtures. “The matches waiting for us are the best possible ones because we will face the strongest players around. That is why you play football.”
Haaland’s record needs little introduction, and Provstgaard acknowledged both the striker’s scoring rate and the fact that Norway can still be contained. “I think he averages close to a goal per match, but he has lost too. We have to find a way to stop him.”
For Lazio, the international break offers another measure of a defender still seeking to establish his place at the highest level. Denmark’s need following Christensen’s absence may give Provstgaard the stage; Thursday will show whether he can turn that opportunity into a more permanent role.
