I lived in a room with Haaland: – A very special experience

Magnus Lundahl was a huge talent when he was younger and made 14 appearances for Stabaek in the Cup and Elite in 2019 and 2020. After suffering a lot of injuries, he is now at Grorud, where he has found his way back to good form. From the Stabæk era.

When Lundal was 15 years old, he was selected for Norway's Group of 15 national team. After some missteps on the original squad, Stabaek's then-coach informed Model 2000 that he was in the lineup for the doubleheader against Sweden in the fall of 2015.

– Of course, it was a big deal to get the message that I would participate. I was proud, but it seemed a bit normal at the time, as I was in good shape. I wasn't afraid of the level and I felt ready to play for Norway.

When he arrived at the camp in the Gjovik area, he was told that he would live in a room with Erling Braut Haaland.

-Living close to one of the best footballers in the world is a joy to behold and a great experience. He says it was a special feeling and experience to be in a room with Erling.

-At first, it was very fun. He was a nice guy and I saw early on that he was very strong mentally. There were a lot of people at this meeting with their shoulders high, but for him it seemed completely normal to be with the national team. He was very relaxed and strong in his mind and didn't look too nervous, even though it was his first ever international match. I saw that his psychology was strong and something I knew he would benefit from.

Lundahl says the two spent a lot of time in the room together and talked about everything.

– I remember that the first thing that greeted me was that Erling went to the cinema and bought some sweets. He ran to the hotel and wanted us to get into the elevator as quickly as possible so the coaches couldn't see him. I remember that well, Lundahl says and laughs.

-It was really nice. Very humble, he said what he meant and stood up for what he said. I had a great time with Erling and we spent a few lovely days together.

– Did you realize even then that he could become one of the best players in the world?

– It wasn't big at the time. If someone had said then, in 2015, that he would become one of the best players of all time… it certainly could have happened, but I wouldn't have been able to predict it then, no. I probably would have been a little shocked if I already knew that in a few years it would be so good.

Haaland scored two goals in his debut against Sweden and two goals two days later against the same country. Lundal played 15 minutes in each match and swapped with his teammate Haaland in the second match.

– He was good in front of goal early, you can see that. He had tremendous roughness when he was young and. The only goal against Sweden came from a direct shot from the kick-off in the second half. Who does that in their first ever national team match? I would never have dared, but Erling did, Lundahl says and laughs.

– He has made huge strides physically, and now he is huge. He's always had the ability to be good, he's had that since he was young. He has a good understanding of football, but he was a lot in the middle of the field, I remember, and he laughed.