Undefeated in the REMA 1000 league and league gold is secured. In May, the NC final is up for grabs and they are ready for the round of 16 in the Champions League: Elverum has had a record season.

And Tobias Schjølberg Grøndahl has taken the role of leader and led the team to success.

– I have actually done it since I was little. It is not something to think about that it is bigger than it really is, because you just have to do what you are best at and what you have always done, Grondahl tells about the role as boss in the attacking game to Norway’s best team.

– You’re not an old guy either ..

– I’m not, you know. Many could say that I am a little shit that they do not bother to listen to, but I get the response I want and it has gone very well so far I would say, says the 21-year-old who has scored 73 goals so far in this season’s Champions League.

See Elverum against Runar on Sunday at 18.30 on TV 2 Sport 2 and TV 2 Play

Will take control of the national team

Grøndahl made his official debut on the senior national team on 5 January 2021. At that time, Norway met Belarus in European Championship qualification, but it was the so-called “Emergency national team” that played the qualification.

Now the 21-year-old has been taken out to the Golden League with the A-team.

– I feel like I’ve been ready for it for quite some time. Being taken out now is of course incredibly cool and it is without a doubt a big dream to play with the flag on your chest on the biggest stage.

Despite taking handball Europe by storm this season, the full-back was not taken out of the Golden League in October last year or in Christian Berge’s European Championship squad in January.

– Of course, it’s hard not to be taken out when you feel you’ve done almost as well as you can. But you always chase development and for my part, when I am not taken out on such things, I have to work even harder and I push myself to get better. So it’s cool to finally have the opportunity.

March 17-20, the Norwegian Handball boys will meet Denmark, France and Spain in the Golden League. Then the Elverum player will appear on the big stage.

See the match overview at the bottom of the case!

– What do you think Tobias can contribute to the national team?

– I have been included because of what I do in Elverum, and that is to control the attack and contribute with small agreements. At the same time putting real speed in the ball and making some tough bets. I like duels and setting up other teammates. I will go into the national team and do as I do in Elverum, and then we will bet that people will be happy there too.

– Are you in command?

– Take command, yes. There is no doubt about that, the full-back strikes quickly.

Similar to Sagosen

Teammate in Elverum, Sindre Heldal, believes Grøndahl has every reason to join the national team with good self-confidence.

– With the season he has had, he should have confidence. He’s had a great song. I feel that even though he says he wants to come in and steer it, I’m not afraid he should come to the gathering and withdraw. He will do what he says, says Heldal who has also been called up to the Golden League.

Former Elverum player and current marketing manager in Elverum, Kalle Björkman, compares the mentality of Bærumsgutten with one of the world’s best players: Sander Sagosen:

– There are players in this country, including one who in 2015 said he should take the country to medals and gold. He’s had a great career, Sander Sagosen, so I think Tobias can get some of the same. There are no limits to what he can achieve, says Björkman.

– He has disproved everyone who said that he was too small for this level and that he has no physique for it. He has had an absolutely fantastic season, Björkman adds.

How to play Golden League:

Thursday 17 March at 20.45 – Denmark-Norway – TV 2 Sport 2 and TV 2 Play

Saturday 19 March at 13.30 – France-Norway – TV 2 and TV 2 Play

Saturday 19 March at 16.00 – Denmark-Spain – TV 2 Sport 2 and TV 2 Play

Sunday 20 March at 13.30 – Norway-Spain – TV 2 and TV 2 Play

Sunday 20 March at 16.00 – Denmark-France – TV 2 Sport 2 and TV 2 Play