Dealing with pressure is something that appears to come naturally to unflappable Swedish defender, Victor Lindelof.
In June 2015, he scored in the penalty shoot-out in the final of the European Under-21 Championship to help earn his country a notable first international triumph.
Lindelof had only been introduced to the squad as a late call-up but performed with distinction at right-back, earning a place in UEFA's Team of the Tournament. It helped provide added impetus to his club career as he forced his way into the senior Benfica side and enjoyed experience in the domestic top flight and Champions League.
Patience has been important for the Scandinavian, who burst into Vasteras' first team when only 16 years old. He helped his local side gain promotion but left when Benfica came calling in 2012. The Lisbon giants had seen his potential in Sweden's Under-16s and Under-17s and made their move.
Still only 17, Lindelof understandably had to wait for an opportunity and cut his teeth with the B team, before emerging as one of Europe’s most exciting young defenders with the senior side and grasping his opportunity with both hands.
Winning trophies became something of a habit for the Swedish defender during his time in Portugal, as he collected three league titles, two Portuguese Cups, one League Cup and one Super Cup. This being in addition to his European Under-21 Championship medal, of course.
The composed centre-back continues to adapt to life at United after signing a four-year deal with the option of a further year. By allowing our new recruit time to settle in to his new surroundings, former manager Jose Mourinho demonstrated a long-term approach to the Swede's development and he even compared Lindelof’s situation to that of a player he brought to England from the Portuguese league, in ex-Chelsea stalwart Ricardo Carvalho, who emerged as one of the continent’s most effective stoppers.
The defender ended his maiden campaign in England with 29 appearances and a number of impressive performances towards the end of the season, including a Man of the Match display against Arsenal in April.
He has continued that development in the 2018/19 season and has maintained a consistent level of form that has endeared him to the Old Trafford faithful. Lindelof's fine showings saw him named as the club's Player of the Month for November 2018 and two months later he scored his first goal in a red shirt, netting a late equaliser against Burnley.
