The Norwegian forward is neither flamboyant nor emotionally expressive; his statistics stand as his most compelling vindication.
Throughout football history, players with subdued facial expressions have often faced undue criticism. A notable example is the first Benzema, whose seemingly distracted and aloof demeanor distanced him from the Real Madrid supporters, who favored the fiery temperament of Cristiano Ronaldo. An underwhelming performance from the Frenchman often combined inefficiency with an air of indifference. However, when the legendary BBC trio was reduced to just its B component, Benzema appeared transformed—more effective and less emotionally detached. This shift eventually earned him the affection of the Madrid faithful.
Parallels Between Benzema and Sorloth’s Reception
A similar narrative has unfolded around Sorloth, transcending his tenure at Atlético Madrid. During his two-year loan spell at Real Sociedad, he netted an impressive 24 goals, yet failed to endear himself to the Anoeta crowd. His Norwegian identity was unmistakably pronounced, almost as if carved from ice, which perhaps contributed to the perception of emotional coldness.
Despite this, Villarreal did not hesitate to invest in him, acquiring his services for a substantial sum of €10 million. This financial commitment highlights the club’s belief in Sorloth’s abilities, independent of his understated on-field demeanor.