ERLING HAALAND
(22, BORUSSIA DORTMUND)
Aforce of nature, a born goalscorer, a Norwegian enigma. Erling Haaland has been the most successful youngster in European football this season by a country mile. The youngest player ever to net 34 goals in the Bundesliga, the Borussia Dortmund striker is one of the hottest properties in global football.
With the pace of a sprinter and the body of a gymnast, Haaland’s ability to sni out goalscoring opportunities and mental tenacity make him a nightmare to play against. The 20yearold scored 27 goals in 28 games this campaign — the thirdmost in the Bundesliga. Standing tall at six feet and four inches, he has forged a formidable attacking partnership with Jadon Sancho at Dortmund. Haaland can turn provider too, racking up 12 assists across competitions.
Having arrived at Signal Iduna Park after reportedly rejecting offers from more than 10 clubs, Haaland has emerged as an unstoppable force. After a remarkable debut season, he worked on the nittygritty aspects of his game and has shown great improvement in his aerial abilities, and has also spent a considerable amount of time pumping iron to work on his physique.
The difference is there to be seen as the youngster often steamrolls his way past bigger defenders, almost running past them as if they were invisible.
Haaland was also instrumental in Dortmund’s Champions League campaign as the Blackandyellows topped their group and advanced to the quarterfinal stage. Haaland shouldered the German club’s goalscoring demands and bagged 10 goals and two assists before Dortmund was ousted by eventual nalist Manchester City.
His poker face and dry wit in press conferences have made him a fan favourite. After the club’s DFB Pokal Cup win on May 13, he said: “I am proud to win my rst title (with Dortmund), and yeah, damn it feels good. The rst half was good but the second half was shit… So we were a bit lucky, but yeah... just feels good to win. Of course, it’s shit without fans and I wish we could celebrate with them, but yeah, that’s how it is now and we’ll celebrate later I am sure.”
Haaland does not believe in sugarcoating what he has to say, he keeps it raw. Here’s how he described his celebration after scoring in the same game: “I’ve been in the gym a little bit more than normal lately. I felt it today... a little bit of boost in my biceps and I yeah... it felt good to get it out a little bit. So yeah, it was a nice goal.”
Though he has a deal with the club that will see him remain there until 2024, Haaland continues to attract interest from all the major heavyweights in European football and will always remain one of the most soughtafter strikers in the game.