Erling Haaland counts Cristiano Ronaldo as his main source of inspiration, explaining that he used to “always watch” the Portuguese superstar during his formative years as a footballer the match of.
The Norwegian has continued his trailblazing goal-scoring heroics at Manchester City this season, having already scored 17 goals in 18 games for Pep Guardiola’s side this season.
Like many fans his age, 23-year-old Haaland grew up during the reigns of Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, and he explains that he learned the most from Al Nasr forward.
Haaland’s path to stardom is similar to Ronaldo’s. He has mastered the Manchester City star’s finishing skills. He is very capable with both feet and is full of danger in heading the ball in the penalty area.
Haaland’s ratio of goals scored with a header has improved to one in four through the break, and he explained that watching videos of Ronaldo online has helped him improve.
Erling Haaland reveals he used to ‘watch’ Cristiano Ronaldo as a child
Haaland explains that he used to watch Ronaldo’s videos online to help him improve his skills
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“I remember always watching his movements in the box on YouTube: he used to make two or three moves before attacking the space he wanted to get into,” Haaland told TV2.
“In this case, it’s like a duel with the centre-backs. It’s important to time it perfectly. And the post must be good. If you don’t get good crosses, you won’t be able to score with your head.”
“How Cristiano moves and how successfully he develops his game. You remember him playing at Manchester United and his first years at Real Madrid, where he became a striker.
Haaland explains how watching Ronaldo helps him improve his movement in the box
Haaland praises Cristiano Ronaldo’s ability to create chances in the penalty area
“It’s incredible for him that he can do that. And how he scores goals. It’s the little moves in the box that deceive defenders,” he added.
The Norwegian will have more time to watch his boyhood hero’s career-best moments after being left out of the upcoming European Championship qualifiers.
Haaland will miss Sunday’s game against Norway after spraining his ankle in the recent friendly win over the Faroe Islands, leaving City sweating.
City hope he can recover in time for the Premier League match against Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday 25 November.