The Finnish players tell what they think makes Haaland a world-class finisher and what they could learn from the brave Norwegian.
Having broken records in Tuesday’s Champions League match Erling Haaland’s goal-scoring skills also arouse admiration among Finnish players. Helmarien’s all-time goal stick Linda Sällström would like to learn the Norwegian striker’s ability to find goals when pressed by defenders.
– I have a certain amount of speed, but if I could find raw physical dueling power as much as he has, it would give my own playing a little extra boost.
According to Sällström, it is the physical characteristics that separate Haaland from other players.
– Speed and explosive power. It’s not very easy to stop him. I bet he’s every defender’s worst nightmare.
At home in the penalty area
Haaland completed his first goal of the Leipzig match from the penalty spot and the rest even closer to the goal from loose balls. FC Inter’s attacking midfield Petteri Forsellin according to, it can’t just be luck, when Haaland was in the right place at the right time four times.
– It’s easy to say that rebounds bounce. But if there are that many of them, then yes, then there is someone with an eye for the game that us ordinary people don’t have. Haaland sees where the ball is most likely going. That’s a skill that I have no idea about.
Forsell highlights Haaland’s movement inside the penalty area. The City star is actually never completely still in the box, but always makes new moves in order to be free for the pass.
– He is always ready to score. When the ball is coming into the box, he believes one hundred percent that it will come to him every time. He is never surprised when he gets the ball. In my opinion, that is the most important reason why he is able to act in front of the goal so “deadly” and efficiently.
Forsell would like to learn Haaland’s skill of operating in the best scoring sector, i.e. inside the penalty area. Forsell himself often works outside the box
– It’s because I can read a little where the ball will go if it comes out of the box. Of course, it is more difficult to score from there than from inside the box. In the box, you should be really ready and trust that the ball will come to you every time.
Goals feed confidence
With his five-goal streak, Haaland moved to the top of the Champions League goal exchange. He now has 10 hits from European courts. The Norwegian has also scored the most goals in the Premier League, 28.
Sällström describes that the attacker’s self-confidence increases when goals are scored. Increased self-confidence helps to score goals.
– Haaland has clearly reached a proper flow state, where everything just kind of sucks. He is constantly in the right place at the right time, and the power comes, Sällström says.
– According to my own experience, when you get into a proper flow state and start to feel immortal, it can be a harsh return to earth. But let’s hope he stays injury free so that momentum continues.
Forsell estimates that Haaland also has frustrating moments. Many teams retreat to defend deep in their own area against City, so there are not always opportunities for Haaland’s strong deep runs.
– Then when you get such dusty days, the balls bounce on you and you can smell the places very well. It’s nice when you feel that everything works out, the ball sinks and comes to itself almost every time.
Despite the records and incense, Haaland is humble and hardworking, according to Forsell.
– He knows that this was just one game. Only one pair of matches was won. I don’t think that’s enough for a team like City and a player like Haaland.