I played for the Norwegian national team with Alf Inge Haaland, and the first of his kids that I saw play football was Astor, Erling’s older brother. He was on the same team as my son at a reunion game for their dads and he was one of the standout talents, so it came as no surprise when I later heard that his little brother could play a bit, too. That turned out to be quite the understatement.
When he was coming through the ranks at his hometown club, Bryne, people were saying this lad was quick, physical and could score goals. Alfie soon realised what an incredible prospect Erling was and began carefully plotting his path. That’s something so many young football players don’t have – someone who really cares about them and their future development.
