Erling Haaland: The Norwegian Striker is Soccer’s Flow King

Photo by Attila KISBENEDEK / AFP via Getty Images Ask Erling Haaland to name the quintessential goal from his young but storied career and he will note his sublime finish for Manchester City in a 2022 Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund. “I think if you put this up ,” he tells Complex , “it’s a great goal. ” His answer speaks volumes.

There’s the beautiful assist to Haaland from former teammate João Cancelo, a pass that Cancelo sends into the air using the inner part of his foot so that the ball curves majestically in Haaland’s general direction. There’s the well-founded respect for the brilliant connection. There’s Haaland streaking towards the goal and flying horizontally in the air to karate kick the ball with his near foot—his left foot —past the goalkeeper while his momentum takes him away from the target.

Then there’s the context: Haaland had just left Dortmund for Manchester City, so he didn’t celebrate scoring. He simply acknowledged the moment by respecting his former club, an organization that helped him grow, as viewers bore witness to the reality that by moving from Dortmund to City the prolific Norwegian had leveled up. (Manchester City won the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the Champions League that season, performing as the best club team in the world.

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