Erling Haaland: Record-Maker, Cucurella-Breaker, Norwegian Penalty Taker

Manchester City’s star striker Erling Haaland is the world’s best player right now. At just 24 years old, he has already accomplished so much with a Champions League title, an FA Cup trophy, and two Premier League titles (and just as many golden boots) under his belt. In the new Premier League season, he has already secured two hat-tricks and a total of seven goals. He is able to bring others into play and hold the play up well with his incredible strength. He can dribble and create, finish with both his feet and his head, and make dangerous runs in behind. 

Blazing Start

Haaland had an incredible first season as a Manchester City player. He dazzled defenders right away with a combination of strength, quickness, and precision finishing, something Premier League defenders couldn’t handle at all. In the 2022/23 Premier League season, Haaland broke countless historic records. His 36 league goals exceeded the previous record of 34 held by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole in the 1994/95 and 1993/94 seasons, respectively. Besides his individual accomplishments, he led Manchester City to a long-awaited Champions League title, scoring 12 goals in the process and playing a pivotal part in their success. In comparison, the second-highest goal scorer that season was Salah, who trailed behind Haaland by four goals. He was also a favorite that year for the Ballon d’Or but was edged out by legendary Argentinian Lionel Messi. These incredible accomplishments within just his first season demonstrated not only Haaland's extraordinary talent to score goals, but also his ability to adapt to a team that has always been known for its potent offense.

Haaland’s International Success 

In the previous season, Haaland faced heaps of criticism following his Premier League season and underwhelming performances in the Champions League playoffs. In the 2022/23 Premier League season, Haaland still scored 36 goals, but the Citizens fell short again in the Champions League against a young Real Madrid squad. For some time, it seemed that even with Haaland, City was just incapable of winning Europe’s biggest trophy. In the Champions League quarter-finals against Real Madrid, he again failed to deliver against Spanish rival Real Madrid. However, after scoring back-to-back hat-tricks against Ipswich and West Ham, City’s striker seems to have regained his confidence and erased any doubt that arose from the previous Champions League season. He has secured seven goals in Man City's opening three games of the current Premier League season and has also already broken numerous records. Haaland holds eight hat-tricks in the Premier League with only 69 Premier League matches played. In comparison, the other player with eight hat-tricks, Thierry Henry, has played 258 matches, a 270% increase from Haaland’s total matches played. 

Haaland’s influence extended beyond national contests. His participation in the UEFA Champions League had a similarly revolutionary effect. He was instrumental in Manchester City's successful chase of the coveted European championship in the 2022/23 season. His performances throughout the elimination rounds were beyond impressive. The squad advanced to the final thanks in large part to Haaland's goal-scoring ability. There, they defeated Inter Milan to win their first-ever Champions League trophy. This triumph proved that Haaland could perform well under pressure on the largest stage and cemented City's position among Europe's finest.

The Future at Manchester City

Ever since Haaland’s arrival at Manchester City in the 2022/23 season, his performances at the club scene have seen their fair share of ups and downs. From winning the Champions League to losing in the quarter-finals, Haaland has been through it all in his short time at Manchester City. However, he’s stayed a consistent performer for the club, staying on top of the score sheets every season. For Haaland, the sky's the limit.