Current national team defender Hjalmar Ekdal's nine-year-older brother Albin Ekdal (70 senior caps) was a professional at Italian club Juventus at the same time as Olof Mellberg in the 2008-2009 season.
"We've talked about that time. I don't think he has many memories of it," says Ekdal about how he played with John Mellberg at that time.
Red Bull Salzburg defender John Mellberg was called up from the U21 national team because selected centre-back Gustaf Lagerbielke is in rehab and will miss Friday's home match against Romania.
"It's great to see young players coming through, not least Mellberg. A good defensive general," says Hjalmar Ekdal.
Father Olof Mellberg made a total of 117 senior international appearances and played in four European Championships and two World Cups.
