Swedish media sum up Newcastle United’s Emil Krafth perfectly after international display

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Newcastle United defender Emil Krafth helped Sweden end their dismal World Cup qualifying campaign with a draw on Tuesday night.

They needed an 87th minute equaliser from Gustav Lundgren to draw 1-1 at home to Slovenia, as Graham Potter’s side ended their qualifying group in bottom place with just two points.

It has been a disaster for Sweden, who could still make it to the World Cup via the playoffs in March thanks to the Nations League.

That is a saving grace for Emil Krafth, who played 65 minutes at right-back before being replaced by Leeds United’s Gabriel Gudmundsson.

Emil Krafth told he was ‘solid’ as Sweden draw

The Newcastle United defender produced a solid if unspectacular performance, which basically epitomises him as a player.

That was the view of Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen, who gave the 31-year-old a rating of ‘godkänd’, which translates in English to ‘approved’.

In short, Krafth was good enough for Sweden during their 1-1 draw with Slovenia.

On Krafth, they wrote: “The right-back put in a solid performance. Defensively compliant and saved a dangerous shot in the first half.”

If you could use just one word to describe Krafth, it would be ‘solid’. That is exactly what he is. In terms of out-and-out defending, he is incredibly reliable.

He is not capable of anything flash going forwards, but he is always capable of doing a job defensively. That is why Eddie Howe rates him so highly, with Newcastle not planning to sell Krafth in the January transfer window despite interest from Copenhagen.

Anthony Elanga and Alexander Isak miss Sweden draw

Krafth was the only Newcastle United player involved in Tuesday night’s World Cup qualifier in Solna.

Anthony Elanga had initially been in the Sweden squad, but he withdrew before facing Slovenia due to personal reasons. That had made him a doubt for Saturday’s game against Manchester City, but it has been reported that Elanga will be available for Newcastle.

Elsewhere, former Toon striker Alexander Isak was an unused substitute. Graham Potter opted not to turn to the £125million man, as he continues his nightmare start to the season.

Isak has struggled with his fitness after skipping pre-season, resulting in him scoring just one goal since leaving Newcastle United on transfer deadline day for Liverpool.