Norway international Antonio Nusa has opened up on the 'special connection' he shares with Erling Haaland, detailing what he takes from the Manchester City striker both on and off the pitch.
Erling Haaland is a key leader for the Norway National Team.
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Haaland's importance to both club and country is beyond question, and he served another reminder of his enduring class this week, scoring twice in Norway's 3-2 win against Denmark in their Nations League opener - with former City man Oscar Bobb also on target. His influence, though, stretches far beyond the goals both at the Etihad Stadium and on international duty.
For Norway, Haaland is the centrepiece of an exciting generation that also features Martin Ødegaard and Antonio Nusa, a group that caught the eye at this year's FIFA World Cup only to fall to England in the last eight.
And it is Nusa, the exciting young RB Leipzig winger, who has offered a revealing insight into what makes the City striker so special.
The Norway National Team reversed a decision to make Erling Haaland available for a press conference on Friday following news of a guilty verdict handed down against Manchester City in breach of the Premier League's financial rules, as per a new report.cityxtra.co.ukNorway Shield Erling Haaland From Media Spotlight After Man City 114 Charges Guilty Verdict News
The Norway National Team reversed a decision to make Erling Haaland available for a press conference on Friday following news of a guilty verdict handed down against Manchester City in breach of the Premier League's financial rules, as per a new report.
It's Great to See How Erling Lives and Thinks Up Close, Says Nusa
Speaking to Sport Bild, Nusa revealed that his rapport with Haaland is rooted as much in their chemistry on the pitch as anything else.
“I have a good connection with him on the pitch – and that makes it easy to play together. That's why I provide him with so many assists,” Nusa said, as relayed by Bulinews.
It is a relationship that has paid rich dividends for Norway, with Nusa's creativity regularly teeing up the prolific frontman. The winger was equally keen to underline how much he gains simply from being around Haaland - a player whose professionalism and mindset have propelled him to the very top of the world game.
“As a person, I learn from him by seeing how he lives and thinks,” Nusa added. “It's great to be able to see that up close and incorporate it into my own life.”
It offers a glimpse into the effect Haaland has on those around him, which often goes unnoticed by fans and pundits who are understandably more concerned with what goes on between kick-off and full time. Beyond the eye-watering numbers, the City striker's habits and mindset are clearly rubbing off on his international colleagues.
Haaland at the Heart of Norway's Rise
Nusa and Haaland's respective rises both come in a real golden era for Norwegian football, one the former is convinced still has plenty of room to grow.
“We're going through a good period for Norwegian football right now, and I believe it's going to get even better,” he said. “I'm trying to play my part in Norwegian football. People see that I'm different from Haaland or Ødegaard - and that seems to inspire them too.”
With Haaland leading the line, most recently with that match-winning brace against Denmark, Norway have rarely looked better equipped. The Manchester City man has now scored a ridiculous 64 goals in 56 games for his country, putting him clear of legends Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic for international goals.
None of this will surprise City supporters. Haaland's scoring record has long spoken for itself, but it is easy to forget that his leadership qualities can prove just as important - a fact that was underlined when the striker was named in City's captaincy group by Enzo Maresca for the 2026/27 season.
As he keeps piling up goals for club and country alike, the Norwegian remains as pivotal to Manchester City as ever - and, if Nusa's words are anything to go by, a strong role model for younger players at both team and international level.