Even in this early run, Erling Haaland has already chalked up incredible goals stats in his debut season at Borussia Dortmund with staggering numbers even Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo would be proud of.
The head-turning Borussia Dortmund striker was quick off the blocks in finding the back of the net the first weekend upon the Bundesliga’s return as he stylishly flicked in the opener in their 4-0 trouncing of Schalke.
Since completing his move to the German side in January from Red Bull Salzburg, the Norwegian has seemingly with ease bagged 13 goals in all competitions, altogether netting the 19-year-old 41 goals this season at just 19 years, nine months and 23 days. Let’s take a look at the comparative stats.
Cristiano Ronaldo first netted 42 goals in a season with Manchester United during the 2007/08 campaign, aged 23 years, three months and six days.
Ronaldo’s long-term rival Messi just pipped him, hitting 41 goals for Barcelona in the 2009/10 season aged 22 years, 10 months and six days.
At a quick glance, these numbers are evident why Haaland is already being tipped as a future Ballon d’Or winner along with the likes of PSG’s Kylian Mbappe.
Rest assured there will be more to come from the lanky, mercurial teenager this season as he admitted after his side beat Schalke that he’s not up to full fitness just yet after the layouff from the season break.
“I’m not the same. I have not been playing games, as you say, for seven weeks,” he said.
“But I know I have been working hard this period and I’m not surprised (that I scored).”
Haaland’s development over the next few months and years will be an exciting journey to follow, and former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves was highly complimentary of Haaland’s goal against Schalke on BT Sport this weekend.
“He’s still got it,” Hargreaves said. “The kid is an absolute goal-scoring machine.”
“That flick is a dream. A terrific ball and Haaland is just a machine. The run – everything about it is just perfect. And that finish is not easy; he makes it look so easy.
“He’s a brilliant goalscorer. That touch, that ball is perfect. And that finish is extraordinary.”