The 2025 Men’s World Championship is getting closer and in a series of articles Ola Selby, reporter at GoHandball, picks his 5 best players at each position. It’s time for the playmakers.
Here are the players:
Nedim Remili, France
Wasn’t as sharp during the Olympics as he was in the championships before, which was noticeable in France’s game. The attacking play looked slow from start to finish. But everyone knows what level Remili is at when he wants to be and just look at how he performed in the Champions League this fall, where he is high up in both the scoring and assist leagues.
Luc Steins, Netherlands
The speed Steins plays with is something completely different from most other playmakers in the world. He is good at most things in the attacking game and will of course be monstrously important for the Netherlands.
Aymeric Minne, France
Has scored on 53 of 57 shots for his Nantes during the autumn’s Champions League games. Impressive. Will have to play second fiddle at centre back behind Remili, but no other country, not even Denmark, has two playmakers at that level.
Tobias Grøndahl, Norway
Since Grøndahl was given a serious chance in the national team under Jonas Wille’s leadership, something positive has happened with Norway’s attacking play. Previously, it seemed to be all about giving the ball to Sander Sagosen and hoping for the best, which often made the game static. With Grøndahl as the playmaker, the pace of the game becomes completely different for Norway.
Thomas Arnoldsen, Denmark
Pytlick-Arnoldsen-Gidsel. An unpleasant backcourt that Denmark (probably) will be able to use for at least another ten years. Arnoldsen was really good for his Aalborg in the Champions League last season, had an international breakthrough during the Olympics, and has since continued to dominate in the Champions League during the fall. Ready to take another step for Denmark and it would not surprise anyone if he does it during the World Championship.