Antonio Nusa's Rise Continues As Leipzig Star Scores Again For Norway

Antonio Nusa continued his outstanding start to the season with another decisive performance for Norway, scoring the opener in Saturday's 3-1 Nations League victory over Wales and playing a crucial role in the second goal.

The RB Leipzig winger broke the deadlock in the 59th minute, controlling a defensive clearance following a corner before driving a low finish past Karl Darlow. Nine minutes later, he helped create Andreas Schjelderup's goal, combining with Erling Haaland after making a perfectly timed run behind the Welsh defence.

Nusa Is Adding End Product To His Game

The most encouraging aspect of Nusa's progression is his growing influence in the final third.

His goal against Wales came from a second-phase attacking situation. Rather than remaining wide after the corner, Nusa positioned himself to attack the clearance, brought the ball under control and created the shooting angle before Wales could reorganise their defensive block.

His involvement in Norway's second goal was arguably more revealing.

After Norway regained possession, Nusa attacked the space behind the Welsh back line, timed his movement to stay onside and redirected the ball towards Haaland with the outside of his foot. The striker then squared for Schjelderup to finish.

It was the kind of movement that separates a dangerous ball-carrier from a complete attacking winger.

Nusa is no longer contributing exclusively through isolated one-versus-one situations. He is becoming more effective at recognising when to hold his width, when to attack the inside channel and when to make runs beyond the defensive line.

That variation makes him far harder to defend.

Demichelis Is Getting More From Leipzig's Left Flank

At Leipzig, Nusa's improvement has been reflected in his Bundesliga production, with four goals and seven assists in nine appearances.

His role is increasingly important to how Demichelis's side progress into the attacking third.

When Nusa stays wide, he can pin the opposition full-back and stretch the defensive line horizontally, creating space for teammates to receive between the lines.

When he moves inside, the Bundesliga side gains another player capable of attacking the half-space and combining around the penalty area.

The important change is that those movements are now producing decisive actions more regularly.

His Champions League goal against Manchester City and his latest international performance demonstrate that the development is carrying over against different opposition.

There is still room for improvement, particularly in choosing when to release possession rather than prolong an individual action. But Nusa is beginning to show the attacking maturity that Leipzig need from a player expected to lead their frontline.

Leipzig Face A Difficult Decision Over Nusa's Future

Unsurprisingly, his performances are strengthening the interest from elsewhere.

Arsenal have already sent scouts to watch Nusa, while Bayern Munich continues to view the Norwegian as a potential long-term attacking target. Leipzig could demand between €70 million and €90 million for the winger next summer, with his contract running until 2029 and containing no release clause.

Given the Red Bulls' reported requirement to generate more than €100 million in transfer revenue, Nusa will inevitably feature in discussions about potential departures.

From here, the stage only gets bigger.