Is Erling Haaland The Greatest Goal Scorer Around Right Now?
Few players have shown goal-scoring pedigree in recent times like Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. As the records continue to tumble, one wonders if things will only get better for the Norwegian from here
Death. Taxes. Climate change. Erling Haaland scoring a goal when it matters the most. Some things are inevitable.
It wasn’t a surprise then that it was the 25-year-old that gave Manchester City an early lead against Arsenal in a crunch Premier League tie on Sunday. Although City conceded a late equaliser at the Emirates Stadium, Haaland was at his beautiful best. He was resolute in defence but potent in attack.
His goal against Arsenal was his 91st in the Premier League. That ties him with Raheem Sterling as City’s second, all-time highest scorer in the Premier League. Sergio Aguero leads this list with 184 goals.
The numbers have followed ever since Haaland joined City from German club Borussia Dortmund in 2022-23. In his debut Premier League season, Haaland broke the record for the most goals scored by a player in a single Premier League season (36). That season, he scored 52 goals across all competitions, as City completed an unprecedented continental treble and finally reached the European summit by winning the Uefa Champions League.
Earlier this month, Haaland tied Thierry Henry (50) for ninth-most goals in Champions League history, breaking the record for fewest appearances to reach the milestone (49). The record was previously held by Ruud van Nistelrooy (62).
At 25 years and 59 days, Haaland is also the second youngest to score 50 goals in the Champions League, behind only a certain Lionel Messi, who reached the feat at 24 years and 284 days.
But what makes Haaland so special? He is a physical specimen of the highest order. Despite his mammoth frame–he stands tall at 6 feet 5, a tall Viking, if you may–Haaland is frighteningly quick. His hold-up play and goal against Arsenal was a perfect example of his physical attributes. He started the move from deep inside his own half, finding space among a melee of players and getting the ball to Tijjani Rejinders, who went on a mazey run. Haaland sprinted away from Arsenal defenders with Olympian-like strides. Rejinders played the ball back to Haaland who decelerated enough to take a touch with the outside of his left foot before side-footing the ball past Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya with his right. It was the perfect display of pace, power and precision.
You may also like
This was Haaland’s sixth goal in 5 league games. After his brace against Manchester United in the Manchester Derby on 14 September, manager Pep Guardiola hailed him as a special player. “Erling never disappoints us since he arrived,” said Guardiola. “Erling has the commitment, that is why he signed a contract for many years. He’s a special player.”
In recent weeks, the Norwegian has been linked to the likes of Barcelona – and in the past, even Real Madrid. Truth be told, both the clubs would love to have the player in their ranks.
By the time his current contract with Manchester City expires in 2034, he will be 34. It would be harsh to think that Haaland would not be able to match Sergio Aguero’s record of being City’s all-time top scorer (260) by then. The former already has 131 goals in 152 appearances in just four seasons at the club. That’s an average of more than 30 goals per season. It seems, as always with Haaland, an inevitable fact.
City, the Premier League and the rest of Europe have already seen the best of Erling Haaland. It can only get better from here.