Schjelderup Shines as Tottenham and Liverpool Monitor World Cup Star

The moment Andreas Schjelderup stepped off the bench against Brazil, his summer changed.

Forty-five minutes later, Norway had turned a World Cup last‑16 tie on its head, Brazil were reeling, and a 22-year-old Benfica winger had pushed himself towards the top of several Premier League shortlists. Tottenham and Liverpool are already among the clubs monitoring him. They will not be alone now.

A cameo that changed everything

Norway trailed 1-0 at the break on Sunday, short on incision despite flashes from Antonio Nusa. Stale Solbakken needed a different kind of threat. He turned to Schjelderup.

The impact was immediate. Schjelderup drove at defenders, carried the ball with purpose and, crucially, found Erling Haaland when it mattered. Twice.

First came the warning. A sharp snapshot forced Alisson into a smart save, a glimpse of the confidence that has defined the winger’s rise in Portugal. Minutes later, he exploded into life down the left, gliding past his marker and hanging a superb, looping cross into the area. Haaland met it, of course. Norway were level.

The second assist was simpler but no less significant. A crisp pass into Haaland’s path, 23 yards from goal, and the Manchester City striker did the rest, sweeping low into the bottom corner. Two key contributions, one seismic result: Norway 2, Brazil 1, Neymar’s late consolation unable to change the narrative.

Schjelderup’s numbers underlined the eye test. He completed 25 of his 27 passes, won back possession five times, and added a tackle and an interception. He also completed a successful dribble, constantly looking to turn and attack. It was the performance of a player who believes he belongs on this stage.

From Benfica bench to Premier League radar

This World Cup is not a one-off spike. Schjelderup arrives here off the back of a quietly impressive second half of the season with Benfica.

For months, he watched more than he played. The first part of the campaign left him largely on the bench, a talented option rather than a guaranteed starter. That changed after the winter. Given a run in the side on the left, he responded with six goals and four assists in his final 14 Liga Portugal matches.

The breakthrough moment came in January, when he scored twice against Real Madrid. That display alerted scouts across Europe. His World Cup work is now confirming what those who followed Benfica closely already suspected: this is a winger ready for a bigger stage.

Crucially for interested clubs, his contract situation adds fuel to the speculation. Schjelderup has two years left on his deal in Lisbon. Benfica, renowned sellers, know this is a pivotal window. Reports suggest a fee in the region of £35 million could be enough to tempt them.

For a 22-year-old with his trajectory, that figure will look like an opportunity rather than a risk to several Premier League sporting directors.

Spurs’ need, Liverpool’s profile

Tottenham’s interest makes sense. Ange Postecoglou wants more punch and variety in the final third, especially on the left. Spurs need fresh legs and fresh ideas in attack, players who can both score and create in high-tempo, front-foot football.

Schjelderup fits that template. He is direct, quick with and without the ball, and comfortable operating wide or drifting inside to combine. His ability to carry the ball at speed and release it at the right moment would add a different dimension to a Spurs frontline that still leans heavily on a small core of regular starters.

Liverpool, too, have been linked. Their recruitment in recent years has often targeted exactly this profile: early-20s, high output, high ceiling, already tested in European competition. In a squad where the wide positions remain fiercely competitive, a player capable of both stretching the game and linking with a central striker will always draw attention.

Wherever he lands, the attraction is clear. Schjelderup is not just producing highlight moments; he is stitching together complete performances.

Essien’s verdict and the road ahead

Those who worked with him early saw this coming. Chelsea legend Michael Essien spent time with Schjelderup at Nordsjaelland, where the winger began his senior career, and has long championed his potential.

“Schjelde has everything to take even bigger steps,” Essien told VG. “The sky’s the limit. He can play for the biggest clubs in the world. Personally, I'd like to see him at Real Madrid or another big club.

“I watch Benfica's games when I can. When Andreas has the ball, he almost seems faster with it than without it. There aren't many players like that. When he accelerates, it's very difficult to stop him.”

That last line felt like a compliment at the time. Against Brazil, it read like a warning.

Schjelderup has started only once at this World Cup but has already stacked up influence: an assist and one of Norway’s standout displays in a 4-1 defeat to France, followed by his game-changing half against Brazil. From impact sub to transfer priority, his arc is accelerating quickly.

He wants the Premier League. Benfica are listening. Tottenham and Liverpool are watching closely.

The question now is not whether he makes the move, but which club is bold enough to move first.