KLOPP TARGET KOPS ERLING WARNING
HE is Europe’s most coveted young striker and now Erling Braut Haaland lies in wait ready to destroy Liverpool’s Champions League hopes.
Haaland, the 19-year-old son of former Leeds United and Manchester City star Alf-inge Haaland, has already left his mark on Jurgen Klopp’s Kop side by scoring for RB Salzburg in an entertaining 4-3 defeat at Anfield.
A point in Austria on Tuesday night will guarantee a safe passage into the knockout stages for the reigning champions.
But Klopp admitted: “Haaland’s a wonderful player and he’s a proper threat. He’s not the only threat from Salzburg, but he is a proper one.
“He’s a wonderful player, very young, but very confident, very quick and clear-minded on the pitch.”
With 27 goals in 20 games this season, including eight in the Champions League, Haaland is rapidly becoming the continent’s most wanted man.
Liverpool are among clubs courting the teenager (right) who has been labelled “a beast” by a former team-mate.
Ruben Gabrielsen was nonplussed at first when a raw 16-year-old arrived under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tutelage at FC Molde.
“I didn’t think Erling was all that when he turned up,”said Gabrielsen.
“But then he developed in a way I’ve never seen. He is stronger than he looks and a lot quicker. He is a beast.” Solskjaer has also been pushing Haaland’s qualities from the moment he arrived at Manchester United.
“I was nowhere near the level Erling is at his age as a striker,” admitted Solskjaer.
“He has the hunger, the ability and the attitude to go all the way in football. His development at Molde was unbelievable. I think it comes from his heritage. When you have a dad who has represented Leeds and Manchester City and played for his country so many times, it has to be the right upbringing.”
That upbringing – Erling was born in Leeds – has led the youngster to reveal his secret wish.
“I would love to help Leeds United win the Premier League,”he said. “That would be the ultimate dream.”
It’s one which will have to be placed on the backburner while Real Madrid, Juventus, Solskjaer’s United and Liverpool fight over his immediate future. A reported release clause of £17million and having super-agent Mino Raiola representing him means his stay with Salzburg will be short and sweet.
His father – still remembered for being the victim of an X-rated tackle by Roy Keane while rivals at Manchester City and United – has no fears about Erling following him into the Premier League.
Alf-inge said: “There is no doubt the Premier League is attractive to him, but he will have other options.”
Now the focus for the teenager is Liverpool and Erling admitted: “They are the world’s top team, but we are at home and, if we are at our top level, we have a chance.”