ENDLESS HAAL OF STRIKES
BY RICHARD EDWARDS
WINTER is coming, but Erling Haaland’s former Norwegian youth coach, Gunnar Halle, sees no reason why the Manchester City goal machine cannot continue his hot streak until the spring.
Halle played with Haaland’s father, Alfie, at Leeds and has known the prodigious striker since he was a kid.
Now he is watching on in wonder as the Norwegian giant bullies some of the best defences in world football.
“He’s in the zone, isn’t he?” said Halle. “After the Community Shield everyone was saying, ‘This wasn’t good enough’ – and then the Premier League season started.
“The goals have just been flying in. You don’t expect that when someone comes straight to the Premier League because it’s a tough league.
“People thought it would be a little bit harder for him, but that just hasn’t been the case.
“He has been fantastic and it’s great for Norwegian football, too, because maybe he’s not the best player in the world, but to score goals in the box? You won’t find anyone better.”
It is hard to argue with that.
Before this afternoon’s Manchester derby, Haaland has failed to score in only two out of 10 appearances for his new club.
Despite the season being less than two months old, he has already hit the net 14 times.
If he carries on at this rate, then the Premier League record of 34 goals in a season by Andrew Cole (above) and Alan Shearer could be smashed.
“It’s not just the goals he scores, his ability to be in the right place at the right time is incredible,” said Halle.
“That’s what he’s always been good at. He pulls defenders all over the place and the runs he makes and the way he protects the ball is something all young players should watch.
“His finishing is something else, too. He’s got something special. He’s a big guy and now he’s starting to score a little bit with his head as well.
“As a youngster, he wasn’t big, at the age of 15 he was a small kid.
“I remember watching him for the Norway Under-17s and his arms and legs were a little bit all over the place.
“Now look at him! But we shouldn’t be surprised at the goals he’s scored for City – because everywhere he has played he has done the same thing.”