Antonio Nusa: A growing influence in Leipzig | OneFootball

The Norwegian joined from Club Brugge in the summer of 2024 for a reported €21 million fee and has steadily grown into his role. Eight goals across all competitions underline his contribution, but his impact goes beyond statistics, with his direct running and energy adding another dimension to Leipzig’s attack.

Speaking to the club’s media team, the 20-year-old comes across as calm and measured.

“I’m in a really good place,” he says. Before going on to discuss a number of topics ranging from his favourite spots in Leipzig all the way to Norwegian tacos.  

Moving to Germany has meant adapting both on and off the pitch. While Nusa admits he misses friends and family in Norway, he has found it easier to settle thanks to familiar connections within the squad.

“Since Conrad [Harder] came, it’s been great. We are Scandinavian friends, so yeah, he’s one of my closest friends in the team.”

In a dressing room shaped by different nationalities, communication has been key. Nusa points to the role of head coach Ole Werner in bringing the group together.

“I’ve learned a lot of German from the team. The coach speaks German in meetings, and now I understand most of it. When the others are talking, I just listen and try to learn.”

A flexible role

Leipzig’s attacking approach relies on movement and versatility, something that suits Nusa’s skillset.

“I think I can play in a lot of positions,” he explains. “In the future I’d like to try more central roles, maybe as a number 10 or even higher up. It’s important to be flexible and help the team wherever needed.”

That willingness to adapt has already made him a useful option across the front line.

Handling pressure & Influences

Despite his growing influence - now 64 competitive appearances for the Red Bulls - Nusa acknowledges that nerves remain part of his game. For him, however, that is no bad thing.

“If you’re nervous, it means you’re doing something important,” he says. “I still feel it before matches, but I like it. It makes me feel alive.”

His approach is simple:

“You have to attack it, embrace it.”

While he has already featured in a number of high-pressure matches for Leipzig, one moment stands out from early in his time at the club: a friendly against Santos in Brazil during his first summer. There, Nusa came up against a childhood hero in Neymar - an experience he describes as a “crazy moment”.

Having won fans and pundits alike over with his energetic performances, comparisons with Neymar are perhaps inevitable - and not something Nusa shies away from.

“When I was younger, I learned a lot from Neymar,” he says.

At the same time, he remains focused on developing his own identity.

“…trying to learn the skills and the flair to express yourself - I try to do it in my own way, and I’m still working on that.”

Looking ahead

Alongside his club development, international football remains an important target. With the Norway team set to appear in a first World Cup since 1998, Nusa is clear about his ambitions stating he wants to take his country “as far as possible”.

“It means everything, to represent Norway, and especially in the tournament, is a dream. So I feel very proud and very blessed to be able to do that.”

For now, his focus remains on continuing his progress in Leipzig, where he is gradually establishing himself as part of a developing side pushing for a return to Champions League football.

After nearly two years at the club, Nusa is no longer just learning - he is now a key part of the team’s ambitions. “We want to win trophies together,” he says, and his journey at RB Leipzig feels like it is only just beginning.