Erling Haaland's journey to becoming one of the world's best players is nothing short of remarkable.
Having arrived at Borussia Dortmund as a teenager, Haaland quickly transitioned from a promising talent to a goal-scoring machine, and after just a few seasons, he made the leap to Manchester City, where he continues to astonish fans and experts alike.
When Haaland joined Dortmund in 2019, he was only 19 years old, having spent an incredibly successful season with Red Bull Salzburg. Despite his impressive goal-scoring record, many saw him as a raw talent, not yet refined into the finished product. His game had noticeable weaknesses, but what truly set him apart was his hunger for improvement.
Julian Brandt, his Dortmund teammate, was particularly taken aback by Haaland's rapid progress. Brandt recalls their time training together during the strict Covid-19 lockdowns, when the team was allowed to train in pairs. Haaland and Brandt trained side by side, and it quickly became clear that Haaland was determined to address his weaknesses and improve at an astonishing rate.
“It was incredible how fast Erling improved,” Brandt shared with SportBILD. “When he joined BVB, we were in the middle of a strict lockdown, and we could only train in pairs. Erling was our training partner, and his progress was unbelievable. His heading ability, his first touch, and even his right foot – they were all areas that needed work. But three months later, We couldn't believe how much he had improved. It was like he had completely transformed.”
This drive for improvement has only continued since Haaland's move to Manchester City in the summer of 2022, when he joined for a reported £51 million. Despite breaking records left and right and scoring an astonishing 52 goals in his first season, Haaland has not slowed down. He has shown a consistent desire to continue improving, even after winning the Champions League and completing a historic treble with City.
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During the off-season, Haaland took the opportunity to ask former professional striker Thierry Henry for advice on where he could further improve. Henry, always known for his detailed insights, offered some constructive feedback, to which Haaland responded: “We agree – don't forget, we are only 22. Think back to when you were 22. There's so much to learn.”
Haaland also reflected on his evolution since joining Dortmund, noting how much his approach to the game has changed. "From the way we think about the game before and after matches to how we motivate myself and communicate with others, everything has evolved. You learn so much from people and the field itself. we agree – we can still develop even more."
In just a few short years, Haaland's transformation from a promising young striker to a world-class player has been staggering. His willingness to learn, his ability to improve rapidly, and his hunger to achieve more are all qualities that have made him one of the most exciting players to watch in world football. As he continues to develop under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, there is no telling just how far Haaland can go in his career.