In the very first year that Erling Haaland made an appearance in the English Premier League, he broke the record for the most goals scored by a player in a single season, with 36 goals. Manchester City, the team he played for, had already distinguished itself as a winning machine, and Haaland’s arrival and sterling performance in his first season only confirmed expectations that Man City would continue to dominate the Premier League for a long time.
So Young a Legend
Still young, with so much more football left in him, Haaland is already considered one of the greatest strikers in the toughest football league in the world. That is why his name is often mentioned in the same sentence as Alan Shearer.
Shearer is the all-time leading goal scorer in the history of the English Premier League, with 260 goals. This record was achieved during his time playing for Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United between 1992 and 2006. His prolific scoring ability and consistency over his career have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest strikers in football history.
Shearer spent many years living the life of a Premier League legend long after he retired from the sport as a player. But these days, he looks at Erling Haaland and acknowledges that the young player has the potential to share the glory with him at the highest levels.
Of course, Manchester City has lost some lustre as a winning team, having lost so many matches with little prospect of successfully defending their title in the 2024–2025 season. Nonetheless, Haaland, the team’s talisman, retains a place in the headlines after breaking another record—one less to do with his skills and ability as a player: he has just signed a record contract with his team that will ensure he continues to play until 2034, covering a period of more than nine years.
A Chat Between Shearer and Haaland
Much earlier, Haaland met with Shearer in a BBC interview. “I remember, as young as I can, that I wanted to become a footballer,” Haaland told Shearer. “I think because of my father, I told myself early that I wanted to become better than him, you know, that’s what I wanted to do.”
Shearer knew Haaland’s father well. Haaland’s father, Alfie Haaland, played for Manchester City for many years, and Shearer was on the opposing side when they clashed.
“You mentioned your dad,” said Shearer. “I played against him lots of times. He kicked me many, many times over the years,” he added.
Football demands exceptional fitness, quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and stamina. From sprinting across the field and executing precise passes to maintaining endurance for 90+ minutes, players exhibit athletic prowess in every match. And they know they have to excel in all these areas while still being kicked around by other players. Occasionally, the referee looks on and simply waves, “Play on!”
That is all part of the game. That’s why Shearer says, with a touch of mirth, that Erling Haaland’s father kicked him many times over the years when they played against each other.
The interaction between the two great players on the BBC was deeply personal as Haaland reflected on his rise to prominence and shared the philosophies that guide his pursuit of excellence in football. Their conversation provided insight into the traits that have propelled both players to greatness and how Haaland, inspired by his father, has developed into one of the world’s most formidable strikers.
Growing Up Under a Football Umbrella
From an early age, Haaland was surrounded by the world of football. His father was a professional player who instilled a love for the game in him. Haaland reminisced about playing football with his cousin and enjoying the simplicity of the sport. “It’s a beautiful game,” he said, highlighting how accessible and universally loved football is.
While Alfie introduced Erling to football, he did so without pressuring him. Instead, he fostered a positive environment, leaving the decision to pursue the sport up to Erling. Every time Alfie returned from a trip, he brought a football jersey home, subtly nurturing his son’s passion. Haaland acknowledged that his father shaped his mentality, emphasising the importance of discipline, focus, and resilience.
Big Decisions for a Big Player
Haaland’s move to Manchester City was one of the most significant decisions of his career. With offers from major clubs across Europe, he turned to his father and his trusted team for guidance. Alfie played a crucial role in helping him evaluate his options, but Haaland emphasised that the final choice was his own.
“It’s all about me, with help from my father and my team,” he said, underscoring the importance of trusting his instincts. His decision to join Manchester City stemmed from a desire to develop under coach Pep Guardiola and perform at the highest level. The club’s demanding environment, combined with Guardiola’s reputation for improving players, made it the ideal fit.
Thriving Under Pressure
A hallmark of Haaland’s career is his ability to embrace pressure rather than be weighed down by it. Shearer remarked that Haaland seemed to thrive on the expectations placed upon him, a sentiment the striker confirmed.
“In the end, we just want to enjoy playing football,” Haaland said. While the constant scrutiny and high stakes can be daunting, Haaland sees it as part of the game. His approach is simple: control what you can and let go of what you can’t. This mindset has helped him remain focused despite relentless media attention and fan expectations.
The Craft of Goal-Scoring
Both Haaland and Shearer share an obsession with goal-scoring, and their conversation delved into the technical and mental aspects of the art. Haaland attributed much of his success to relentless practice, recounting how, during his time at Molde, he worked tirelessly on headers with Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
“It doesn’t have to be 500 shots,” he said, “but just a couple every day.” This consistent, focused practice has been key to his development. Haaland admitted that missing chances can be frustrating, but he uses it as motivation to improve.
Mental Strength is a Must
In today’s high-pressure football landscape, Haaland believes mental strength is as important as physical fitness. He has incorporated meditation into his routine to help him manage stress and stay focused.
“It’s about letting go of negative thoughts and using them as motivation,” he explained. Haaland’s ability to stay mentally sharp enables him to bounce back from setbacks and maintain consistency in his performance.
A Huge Room for Improvement
Despite his success, Haaland remains humble and committed to growth. He acknowledged that he still has areas to work on, including his left foot, headers, and overall finishing. “You can always improve,” he said, adding that the pursuit of perfection is one of the things he loves most about football.
Inspiration and Admiration
Growing up, Haaland admired prolific goal-scorers, including Shearer, and studied their techniques. This focus on strikers reflects his single-minded determination to master his craft.
Shearer noted similarities between his own journey and Haaland’s, particularly the drive to improve and the joy of scoring. Their shared experiences highlighted the universal qualities that define great athletes: hard work, resilience, and a love for the game.
The Premier League is a Place to Call Home
Haaland acknowledged the physical demands of the Premier League but expressed confidence in his ability to adapt. “I feel I’m ready,” he said. He relishes the physical battles and sees them as an integral part of the game.
Erling Haaland’s journey to becoming a great athlete is a testament to his upbringing, dedication, and love for football. Inspired by his father and driven by an insatiable hunger to improve, he has quickly established himself as one of the world’s best strikers.
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