- Nasima Akter
Social Media Explodes from Haaland's Record
Football fans were left in awe after Erling Haaland’s jaw-dropping performance in Manchester City's match against RB Leipzig. The Norwegian striker scored five goals and cemented his place as one of the hottest talents in world football.
Haaland’s incredible scoring streak has seen him overtake some of the biggest names in the sport, and his latest feat was breaking Kylian Mbappe’s record as the youngest player to reach 30 goals in the Champions League. The 22-year-old has been on fire this season, with a tally of 39 goals in just 36 appearances.
Comments on Haaland's Performance
It's not just fans who are taking notice, either. Some of English football's biggest stars, past and present, have been heaping praise on the young striker. Gary Lineker, one of the country's most celebrated strikers, couldn't resist poking fun at the obvious, tweeting: 'Think this Erling Haaland fella's got something.'
Alan Shearer, the Premier League's all-time top scorer, kept things simple with five clapping emojis. Meanwhile, Peter Crouch, known for his height and goal-scoring ability, jokingly wrote that Haaland was taking the p*** now.
Even Manchester City Women's team captain Steph Houghton was impressed by the striker's incredible form, sharing his name alongside a string of emojis that left no doubt about her admiration.
Michael Owen, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2001, referenced suggestions that Haaland might not fit in with the team, tweeting: 'And they say Man City are a worse team with Erling Haaland.'
Former Manchester United defender and BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand was blown away by Haaland's performance, calling it 'astonishing'. He praised Haaland's hunger for goals and his ability to dominate games. Ferdinand went on to say that Haaland's presence in the team makes City supercharged and gives them a feeling of invincibility.
Other Comments on the Game
Despite his brilliance, Haaland was quick to praise City's team performance, particularly their high-pressing gameplan. "We worked on the pressing yesterday, especially at home we have to run and press. We are so good at getting the ball," he said.
"In my opinion, we should do this more. I think we can use this more [pressing], there is more space for the guys in between to play. Compared to last year and now we can play with a striker in behind and that's what I'm trying to bring."
Haaland's incredible display helped City secure their place in the Champions League quarter-finals, where they will be joined by Inter Milan, Chelsea, Benfica, Bayern Munich, AC Milan, and two more teams yet to be confirmed. Guardiola was full of praise for his team's performance, saying,
"It was a really good performance from minute one until the end from everyone. We play very well with and without the ball. We scored a lot of goals. Erling was amazing but everyone was exceptional."
Manchester City's Status
With Haaland in such scintillating form, City's Champions League dreams are still alive and well. The team became the second English team to qualify for the last eight after Chelsea's win over Borussia Dortmund. However, Liverpool faces an uphill battle to overturn a 5-2 deficit against Real Madrid in their second-leg match.
For now, though, football fans will continue to revel in Haaland's incredible talent and goal-scoring prowess. With performances like his, it's clear that this young star is destined for greatness.
