Viktor Johansson Shines for Stoke City and Sweden
• Stellar performances lead to international call-up
• Sweden to face Slovakia and Azerbaijan in UEFA Nations League
By Oscar Cortes
This season, Stoke City players are reaching new heights, thanks in part to the leadership of manager Narcís Pelach, whose influence has transformed the team’s play and strengthened its group cohesion.
A standout in this transformation has been Viktor Johansson, who has earned recognition both at club level and on the international stage. With an impressive start to the season, Johansson now holds the starting goalkeeper position for the Swedish national team—a testament to his skill and consistency with Stoke City.
READ MORE: Andrew Moran Continues to Shine at Stoke City and Earns Ireland Call-Up
Johansson's Breakthrough in Sweden’s UEFA Nations League Campaign
After solidifying his place as a key player for Stoke City, Johansson is set to defend Sweden’s goal in the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Slovakia and Azerbaijan. His form has been exceptional; across 17 appearances this season, Johansson has kept five clean sheets in over 1500 minutes of play, proving his reliability and sharp reflexes under pressure.
His international form has been just as impressive—starting all four of Sweden’s recent matches and achieving two clean sheets while helping secure three wins and a draw for his country.
A Key Player in Stoke City’s Resurgence
At 26 years old, Johansson has become an essential part of Stoke City’s lineup, exemplifying the club’s ambitions and newfound defensive resilience. His performances are not only a source of pride for the fans but also underline Stoke City’s commitment to nurturing talent capable of excelling on both the domestic and international stages. With Johansson guarding the net, Stoke City supporters can look forward to seeing more memorable performances as the season progresses.
Johansson’s rise as a reliable last line of defense underscores Stoke City’s commitment to building a competitive squad. His shot-stopping abilities, combined with his calm composure under pressure, have become invaluable assets for the team, especially in high-stakes matches.
His recent call-up to the Swedish national team is a testament to his hard work and development, and it also shines a spotlight on Stoke City as a club capable of producing talent ready for the international stage. As Johansson continues to represent both Stoke City and Sweden with pride, he symbolizes the club’s upward trajectory and the increasing respect they command across European football.