By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Edvin Austbø has been handed the opportunity for three matches with Norway’s Under-21s which could take them to the European Championship. For West Ham, it is a chance for one of our most exciting new players to get meaningful football during the break and return with an even stronger case for more minutes under Nuno Espírito Santo.
The Norwegian Football Federation named Austbø in its squad for fixtures against the Netherlands on 25 September, Bosnia and Herzegovina on 29 September and Israel on 6 October. Norway lead their qualifying group and, according to the federation, need three points to secure their place at the finals. Austbø has been called up; whether he starts any of those games remains to be seen.
I have sounded like a scratched record about West Ham’s lack of pace for years. It predates Nuno, but in Austbø we finally have someone who looks exceptionally quick and fleet-footed. I think he may be the fastest player in this squad, and that ability to run at opponents could set him apart as the Championship season develops.
Genuinely quick: West Ham’s Edvin Austbø’s
A chance to build on his West Ham start
Austbø has already offered a glimpse of his quality. West Ham credit him with a goal and an assist in the win over Derby County, both from a substitute appearance. He has made an impression quickly, even if Manor Solomon remains my choice to start on the left when both are available.
His absence against Fulham understandably prompted questions, particularly after some rather naive comments about his longer-term ambitions. I raised those questions at the time, but Nuno has since said the comments are not an issue and that he is delighted with the winger’s work.
His selection for Norway gives Austbø a more useful opportunity to let his football do the talking.
What Norway duty could mean for Nuno
We have already considered how Austbø’s speed could trouble tired Championship defenders. At Millwall, Nuno also brought him on down the left and moved Solomon inside. That is an interesting option for later, but I would not turn one second-half adjustment into a promise that Austbø will start the next league game.
First, he has three potentially important matches with Norway. If he gets onto the pitch and makes an impact, he could return to West Ham sharper, more confident and harder for Nuno to leave out.
That would be good news for a side that could use every bit of pace he offers.