How Haaland is the Best Striker in the World
- How Erling Haaland Became the Best Striker in the world
Every football fan is familiar with the name Erling Haaland. The 23-year-old Norwegian has dominated the Premier League and the Champions League with his phenomenal goal-scoring record and dynamic style of play. But how did he emerge as the world’s top striker? Here’s a brief summary of his incredible experience.
From Bryne to Molde
Haaland was born in Leeds, England, where his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, had played for Leeds United. He went to Norway with his family when he was three years old and began playing football for Bryne FK, his hometown club. He made his senior debut for Bryne at the age of 15, but did not score a goal in 16 games.
He later joined Molde FK, where he was trained by Manchester United’s formal manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He scored his first professional goal for Molde in his second game, and he finished with 14 goals in 39 appearances. In 2018, he earned the Eliteserien Young Player of the Year title.
From Salzburg to Dortmund
In January 2019, Haaland moved to Austria to play with Red Bull Salzburg, where he rapidly established himself as one of Europe’s most prolific scorers. He scored 17 goals in 16 games for the Austrian Bundesliga and was the first player in UEFA Champions League history to score six goals in his first three games.
His remarkable form drew the interest of other elite clubs, but he chose to join Borussia Dortmund in January 2020 for €20 million. He extended his scoring streak in Germany, scoring 62 goals in 67 games for Dortmund. In addition, he received the Golden Boy award in 2020 and the DFB-Pokal in 2021.
From Dortmund to Manchester City
Haaland made the biggest transfer of his career in the summer of 2022, signing for Manchester City for a reported €60 million. He reconnected with his former coach, Pep Guardiola, who had previously worked with him at Salzburg. He also became the Premier League’s highest paid player, earning £350,000 per week.
Haaland seamlessly adapted to the English style, becoming an extremely damaging combination with Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden. With 36 goals, he set a new Premier League record. He also helped City win a continental treble, winning the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the Champions League. He scored 52 goals in all competitions, the most by a Premier League player.
He was named Premier League Young Player and Player of the Season, making him the first player to win both accolades in the same year. He also earned the Premier League Golden Boot, the European Golden Shoe, and the Gerd Müller Trophy for his goalscoring prowess. He was selected UEFA Men’s Player of the Year, IFFHS World’s Best Player, and runner-up in the Ballon d’Or award.
For Norway and Beyond
Haaland has also played an important role for the Norway national team, scoring 27 goals in 29 appearances. He made his senior debut in 2019. He helped Norway qualify for the 2024 FIFA World Cup, scoring ten goals in eight qualifiers.
Haaland is largely recognized as the world’s top striker and a member of his generation’s elite. He has received accolades for his pace, strength, placement, and finishing abilities within the box. He is also known for his humble demeanor, work ethic, and enthusiasm for the game.
Haaland has achieved so much in his young professional time, yet he is not satisfied yet. He plans to smash more records, win more trophies, an become the best player of all time. He possesses the ability, mindset, and motivation to accomplish so. He is Erling Haaland, and he is unstoppable.
