(Credit: Imago)

Evan Shaw

Wed 1 April 2026 10:00, UK

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Victor Lindelof has received mixed reviews as the Aston Villa defender featured heavily in Sweden’s 3- 2 win over Poland on Tuesday night.

Newcastle’s Anthony Elanga and Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres both scored crucial goals for Graham Potter’s side, with the latter netting an 88th-minute winner to seal their World Cup qualification.

Lindelof has retained his place as one of his country’s most important players through their qualifying campaign, and he played every minute as captain of the team in their victory over Poland.

That was recognised by the Swedish media after the game, but they have also been quick to deliver criticism for the way that he defended for one of Poland’s goals.

Aston Villa have used Lindelof sparingly so far this season, but his value to his international side has been unwavering throughout the campaign.

Victor Lindelof error criticised

Lindelof has not had as much football as he would have liked at club level so far this season, as he has mainly been used by Unai Emery in the Europa League and the domestic cup competitions.

Nevertheless, the former Manchester United man possesses a level of experience that still makes him invaluable to his country, which is highlighted by the fact that he has been named captain by Potter.

Lindelof has needed to make some crucial interventions along the way to help Sweden reach their end goal of qualifying for this summer’s finals, but he has still taken his fair share of criticism at times.

That has been apparent in the aftermath of the win over Poland, as Expressen handed the 31-year-old a 2/5 match rating and noted that he “got lost” when the visitors netted their second equaliser.

However, that view was not reflected by Fotboll Skanalen, who acknowledged the veteran’s importance to the team in such crucial games, while adding that he was “calm with the ball and confident in his actions.”

The media may well be split on Lindelof’s displays of late, but Potter and his staff clearly aren’t, considering he has played every minute of their play-off campaign in the last few days.

Imminent Aston Villa sale leaves Lindelof with key role to play

Football Insider revealed back in February that Aston Villa are planning to sell Tyrone Mings this summer, as the 33-year-old is no longer seen as one of their strongest centre-back options.

Like Lindelof, the former Ipswich and Bournemouth man has found it hard to break past the established pairing of Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres, and he looks set to move on to a new challenge as a result.

However, any exit for Mings is set to leave Lindelof with a key role to play in the final year of his contract at Villa Park.

A sale would see him become the first cab off the rank when it comes to providing cover for the starting duo, a role which could be crucial if injuries come into play in the early stages of next season.

Emery has trusted the Swede to play in some vital Europa League matches so far this season, and he may yet take on an increased responsibility next term.