Erling Haaland has been crowned the world’s best player, and it seems like he’s only scratching the surface of his potential.
When Manchester City signed him in 2022, many wondered how he would fit into Pep Guardiola’s intricate and possession-heavy system.
Haaland, known for his powerful and direct style, seemed like an unusual choice for a team built around creative midfielders. But it didn’t take long for him to dispel any doubts.
Haaland’s debut season with Manchester City was nothing short of remarkable. He set a new Premier League record by scoring 36 goals in just 35 appearances, breaking a long-standing record that had been untouched since 1995.
His goals came in bursts, with memorable hat-tricks against teams like Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, and even Manchester United in the derby.
What sets Haaland apart is not just his raw physicality though he’s known for his speed, strength, and towering presence but his uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time.
Nearly all of his goals come from inside the box, where his positioning and instincts are second to none. He’s also deceptively fast for his size, capable of outrunning defenders and making perfectly timed runs behind defensive lines.
Despite his immediate success, there’s a sense that Haaland is still growing as a player. At just 23 years old, he has already achieved so much, but there are still areas where he can improve.
At times, he can seem quiet during long stretches of games, and his teammates could make better use of his pace in tight spaces.
There are also challenges on the international stage, where Haaland’s efforts to lead Norway to Euro 2024 fell short. Nevertheless, his international record is still impressive, with 27 goals in 29 appearances.
Haaland’s record in the Champions League has been particularly eye-catching.
His five-goal haul in a single game against Leipzig was a standout moment, showing that he saves his best for Europe’s biggest stage.
He now has 40 goals in just 35 Champions League appearances, a record that puts him among the elite in European football.
Off the pitch, Haaland has remained remarkably grounded. While other global stars like Kylian Mbappé have been caught up in off-field politics, Haaland’s focus has remained on football.
He’s known for his laid-back attitude, rarely making headlines for anything other than his performances or his casual fashion choices.
With 71 goals in 75 appearances for Manchester City, Haaland has already climbed to 12th on the club’s all-time top scorer list, an incredible feat considering he’s only been at the club for just over a year.
His rise to the top has been meteoric, and there’s every indication that his best is still to come.
In the end, the question isn’t whether Haaland can stay at the top of the football world it’s who could possibly replace him.
With his unique blend of physicality, goal-scoring instinct, and a team like Manchester City behind him, Haaland seems destined to dominate for years to come. His journey is far from over, and the world is eagerly watching what he will achieve next.