They dreamed of playing together.
Then Albin Ekdal, 32, was forced to throw in the towel when Hjalmar Ekdal, 23, was selected for the national team for the first time.
– I thought he could have bitten a little, says Djurgardenmitbacken.
on Alpine Ekdals The team’s journey was defined from a young age, and it was the opposite for younger brother Hjalmar. So Wednesday was a special day for the central defender.
– I knew I was on the total team, but I can’t say I was expecting to be on the final team. I didn’t know that.
After a 4-0 win over Malmö FF and his own goal continued on Monday Hjalmar Akdals Wednesday dream week:
– I followed the presentation on my mobile and it was really nice to hear my name. It’s a huge step for me personally, Hjalmar Ekdal tells Sportbladet.
Long trip to Blagult
From BP through college games with Wilmington Seahawks in the USA, Frej, Assyriska, Hammarby, Frej again, Sirius and now Djurgården, Hjalmar Ekdal has become a national team player after three previous caps at U19 and U21 level.
Is that why this is too big for you?
Yes, my football journey wasn’t straightforward. I’ve taken a more unusual path. It wasn’t until last year that I dared dream of a real national team. He says it went fast.
Why are you taking the step now?
– I think I’ve become more mature and stable in my game. I have earned the trust of the coaches and my teammates. I have gained a different continuity in my accomplishments.
Not only did the midfielder get into the national team squad, but he also made a mark on taking a step forward on the pitch as a midfielder.
Hjalmar Ekdal is dangerous and an added quality is when he runs forward with the ball at his feet.
It’s something I’ve developed that I want to include in midfield play. It might make me a little unique. He says I am trying to play with a high level of self-confidence.
A new chance to play together?
But at the same time that Hjalmar was selected for the national team for the first time, his older brother Albin Ekdal is also refusing to join the four Nations League group of matches at the beginning of June.
The Sampdoria and national team midfielder needs to rehabilitate a rickety and injured body after a difficult and long season in Serie A.
– It’s bad luck. I think he could have bitten off a bit…no, but I get it. He has been sidelined by injuries in recent months. The most important thing is to be healthy and fit.
Albin Ekdal’s contract with Sampdoria expires last June, and a possible alternative is for the older to join the younger, at Djurgården.
Are you guys going to play together soon anyway?
– I hope that. It was also a dream. I’m trying to bring him home with all the obvious factors, like playing with the little brother in the team he said he wanted to play with at home in Sweden.
Then Hjalmar Ekdal will also stay in Djurgården. The attacking midfielder has 1.5 seasons in the blue, which is what attracts foreign clubs to follow the 23-year-old closely.
Hope to debut
– I want to test the wings at the end, but I’m not in a hurry anywhere. I am very happy with the situation today.
How realistic is your playing time in the Nations League?
– There probably won’t be four starts… I see some jumps as possible. I’m aware of any other very good midfielders involved and how fierce the competition is. But now that I’ve been selected, I hope to make my debut too, says Hjalmar Ekdal.