Team Talk / Ben Lyttleton / 28 May 2008 / Leave a comment

Ben Lyttleton tells us why the shock call-up of Henrik Larsson seriously improves Sweden's chances in more ways than one. Apart from anything else, it will ensure no funny business from a certain Mr Ibrahimovic

The call, when it came, was as much as a surprise to Henrik Larsson as it was to the rest of Sweden. One day before coach Lars Lagerback announced his squad for Euro 2008, he rang the 36-year-old and asked if he would accept a call-up. Larsson spoke to his family and within ten minutes had made up his mind. He was back.

Larsson had no idea that Lagerback¹s assistant Roland Andersson had been scouting him for the last few weeks, and that the pair were impressed with Larsson¹s six goals and three assists in eleven Helsingborg matches so far this season.

But it is Larsson¹s experience and influence off the pitch that makes Lagerback¹s decision anything but a gamble. "He is a leader and his attitude permeates the whole squad," said Lagerback. "I want the younger players to look at him and think that anything is possible if you have the right attitude."

Certainly in Larsson¹s spells at Manchester United and Barcelona, his presence and professionalism helped bond the squad. "Henrik taught me a lot about football and I learned even more from him as a man," said Ronaldinho.

It is hardly Larsson's fault, but it might not be a coincidence that Ronaldinho has gone off the rails since the Swede left Barcelona. In that respect, Larsson¹s presence is similar to that of Mauricio Pellegrino, who was 34 when he joined Liverpool and helped the players rally behind coach Rafa Benitez. Another Liverpool coach, Gerard Houllier, claimed Gary McAllister, 35, was his best ever signing: "He taught the others about hard work and having the right mentality."

You only have to look at Sweden¹s Group D rivals Spain to see that the role of an elder statesman is not always positive. Luis Aragones has never forgiven Raul for reportedly criticising his tactics and training-sessions during the 2006 World Cup, and the Real Madrid captain, despite his excellent form, misses out this summer. Spain are way out at [1.99] to top the group, a dangerous price for serial under-achievers, though they do at least
have a united squad this time around.

In Holland, Clarence Seedorf has dropped out of the squad because he did not trust himself to keep quiet under Marco van Basten, whose methods have upset players. Even Russia, whose squad is said to have bought into Guus Hiddink's master-plan, had a shock when Igor Denisov rejected a call-up.

For some coaches, the presence of a backroom figure to keep morale high is vital. Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari cannot call injured centre-back Jorge Andrade as part of his 23-man squad but he will be part of the group. Scolari calls Andrade "bruxo" (wizard), as he helps keep the mood positive.

Sweden have been unlucky with injuries: left-back Erik Edman is out with a knee ligament damage, Freddie Ljungberg is battling back from a fractured rib while their main goal threat, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, missed much of Inter¹s title run-in with a knee injury. Zlatan has diva potential but with Larsson around to act as his minder, could finally prove himself on the big stage.

Larsson showed his ability as an impact sub in the 2006 Champions League final and he might take on a similar role this summer. But it is his presence that will bring out the best in his team-mates.

Sweden are marginal favourites at [2.26] in the early market to qualify from Group D, with Russia 2.42 and Greece 2.44. I think the Larsson factor has already played a role in this price but it will come in even more if Sweden, as I expect them to, get a decent result against Greece in their opening match - they are [2.66] to win that one.

Larsson has promised to not retire (again) after the tournament, and gave a clue as to his future plans when he revealed that his inspiration is Roger Milla, who was 42 at the 1990 World Cup. Never mind Euro 2008, get ready to look at Larsson for the 2010 World Cup markets!

Tags: Euro 2008 betting, football betting, Henrik Larsson