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Football is a sport that is often heavily influenced by decision making; however, making the correct call is, more often than not, what sets players apart.

And at the start of his professional career, one current Liverpool player had a very important choice to make.

Moves to Everton and Manchester United; the Reds’ greatest enemies were declined to pave the way for an Anfield arrival; a choice that in years to come he will hope to look back on with pride.

That man is Edvard Tagseth.

Tagseth, 17, joined Liverpool in 2017, though, had signed a pre-contract agreement in 2014, having impressed while on trial.

The Norwegian midfielder, who began his career at local side Neset FK, is currently plying his trade with the Reds’ Under-18 side, and is under the best possible guidance on his path to glory. Being managed by Steven Gerrard- a player, he himself, has been likened to- will only strengthen his chances of a bright and prosperous future.

(Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Einar Kvande, 51, who previously coached in Norway for 15 years and now writes for the Norwegian Official Liverpool Supporters Club, has been following the career of the Reds’ talented youngster.

He spoke to the ECHO to provide some insight into Tagseth’s journey from his small Norwegian town, Frosta- where he is known as ‘Frosta’s Messi- to the bright lights of Liverpool, wherein these parts he simply goes by ‘Eddi’.

Back to the beginning

As with many things in life; success and hard-work often go hand-in-hand, and in Tagseth’s case, it seems this rings true- albeit in a rather unorthodox manner.

“The Tagseth family used to live on a farm, in which there was a big barn. His father, Tore, built him an artificial pitch inside. He practised there every day”, Kvande explains.

A fire to the barn caused the family to relocate, but this didn’t stop his dad building another artificial pitch, where, again, he kept practicing his technique and shooting inside.

“I think the two artificial pitches helped him a lot with his skills and technique. It’s all the hours he spent there that have enabled him to become one of the few young Norwegian players to go abroad and attract major clubs.

“When playing at county level, he would be in the age group one year above him. Even on the national team, they went to the European Championships last season and he went with the 2000 kids.”

(Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

His commitment throughout his childhood earned him the move to Liverpool, though; this perhaps wasn’t a journey he was always destined to travel.

Tagseth himself was actually a Man United fan until eight years of age; at which point he switched allegiances to Liverpool.

A visit to a school friend would kick-start his love affair with the Reds.

Tagseth was greeted by his friend’s father upon arrival, who asked the now 17-year-old who he supported. The midfielder’s response of ‘Manchester United’ was met by the sarcastic reply of: ‘I won’t let you in here unless you support Liverpool; which in turn prompted him to have a change of heart.

Player in demand

(Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

As already mentioned, it wasn’t just the Reds who were interested in signing the talented youngster, as a whole host of clubs had taken notice of the rising star; Man United and Everton in particular.

“He realised he could make it when international clubs came calling for him.

“Tagseth went on trial at Everton; both Manchester clubs, Ajax, and Rosenborg in Norway were also interested.

“His decision to pick Liverpool was impacted heavily by how well they treated him while he was there, everything about the setup felt right for him”.

Kvande explains that Tagseth hadn’t even finished school at home when he started training with Liverpool. He came to an arrangement where he was over in England for one or two weeks at a time. Some of the family went with him when he travelled back and forth; either his elder brothers or mother and father. Someone was always there with him.

Settling in proved to be no easy task at such a young age, though, fellow countryman, Einar Iversen; a teammate of Tagseth’s in the U-17 Norwegian national side, who plays for Everton, made this change of scenery a less daunting prospect.

Raw talent

The Norwegian, who scored on his home debut against Blackburn Rovers and has missed just one league encounter this season, has impressed since his arrival, but Kvande admits that he recognised the raw talent of Tagseth some years before he would make his eventual move to Merseyside.

“It was clear from a young age that he was a talented player.

“I remember asking him what his record of keepie-uppies were when he was 14-years-old; to which he replied 1013.

“His work-rate is quite phenomenal; he is a player who never gives up a ball.

“He’s the best talent I have seen in Norway for some time and that’s including Martin Odegaard; who went to Real Madrid”.

The future looks bright for ‘Eddi’; a footballer with not only time on his side. His tenacity, talent and professional attitude look set to stand Tagseth in good stead for a career filled with limitless potential.