How do you knock a Striker with a career record of 231 goals not to mention 31 for his country...at the the age of 24!?
Its a baffling thought process and one that manages to bamboozle me on a daily basis. Comments from the outspoken Van Der Vaart last season said "If he doesn't score he's useless. I find him a very average player on the ball" harsh words from an ex-player expressing views on a one-off game. I thought ex-football players were the only ones who could express opinion on the game having played it at the highest level, but in truth they push more poison and bad taste than your average Arsenal supporter winging that "all he does is bloody score". I jest of course Gooners of the North Bank, this year, perhaps?
The point of this article is to highlight the main reason why we speak so regularly or Erling Haaland...his goal-scoring.
A habit, a charm, a knack, a beautiful moment for all to enjoy, the ball hitting the onion sack, the positioned TV Cameras, the drama, the unfolding of stories, the trophies, the game-changing and the adoration from supporters.
Goals Matter.
We've seen it with goalscorers of bygone eras, the likes of Filippo Inzaghi, Gary Lineker, and Alan Shearer, to name a few. Players who just knew where the back of the net was and did little else than steer their team to glory. You could argue that it's the fundamental element to most successful teams. Manchester City had a mediocre season last year according to most, but still saw Haaland net an impressive 38 goals. So why now with such a unique goalscorer in Haaland do we question the man's ability to play the beautiful game, why does he need to have outrageous passing ability, why do we need to see him marauding into the penalty area and finally why does his build-up play need to be anything other than getting on the end of another defence-splitting pass from Kevin De Bruyne.
The argument and the true necessity is that he doesn't need to have any of these other qualities; they are ideals dreamt up by the so-called professionals, the naysayers, and above all else, his competition.
We watched during the game at West Ham United's London Stadium the cool, collected, and calmness of his finishes. The technique is exquisite, the balance, and the ability to make the game and goal-scoring look all a bit too easy. Powerful in his ability to subdue his marker with an outstretched arm and the adroitness to sweep, slide, and cushion his shots far, far from the goalkeeper's grasp. Haaland has it all and at the age of 24, we're still in the phase of watching a player learn his craft, hone his tactical ability, and positioning under the tutelage of a certain Mr. Pep Guardiola. How long this relationship lasts is within the hands of the Premiership gods or certainly the City hierarchy but with two back-to-back hat-tricks in the Premier League, it appears the tip of the iceberg is beginning to show more of its edge.
Should we pardon the skeptics? Those who question his overall skill or those who claim "All he does is score goals"? Or should we disregard the doubters like Haaland likely does and embrace the idea that we are currently witnessing one of the greatest goal scorers in the game. If the highly esteemed and beloved Pele could argue for his statistics not to be underestimated, then surely Haaland, who has already achieved great success and recognition in his career, could follow in the footsteps of, let's say, Cristiano Ronaldo and, of course, the legendary Lionel Messi in the goal-scoring rankings due to his position on the field.
Whether you adore him or despise him, the "Zen" goal celebration will be a familiar sight during the 2024/25 season, and personally, I appreciate witnessing a master in the prime of his craft.
GOD HELSE.
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