Bundesliga: Haaland to score 'plenty' of goals claims pundit
All eyes will be on Erling Haaland as the Bundesliga returns, but the Norwegian's career may have taken a different path if it wasn't for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, for more reasons than one. Manchester United looked at signing the 19-year-old in January, before the forward eventually moved to Borussia Dortmund.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
"I was alone with the keeper and the bar, got crosses from Ole Gunnar, but I missed on every opportunity. I remember Ole then said ‘I think you start this game, so just be ready.’"
In the next match against Brann, Haaland would score four times in a match he labels a "turning point" in his career.
Solskjaer was a natural goalscorer himself and spent countless hours on the training ground, helping Haaland with his finishing.
"Solskjaer and I did some practice on finishing. Not just crosses. I remember he taught me some easy rules," Haaland said.
Haaland worked under Solskjaer at Molde (Image: GETTY)
"The first one was one-touch [finishes]. That I don’t use too much power and trying to destroy the goal or the goalie with ball. I think that I was thinking about doing that and it was something new that he told me.
"I trained a bit on that, but without scoring. But at least I had it in my head after that training session.
“He has taught me a lot to be calm, and also be on your toes and come to those situation where the ball is coming. It is then you have the chance to score. He deserves a lot of credit for teaching me that.”
Haaland has netted 39 times in 28 matches for Dortmund and RB Salzburg this season, averaging a goal every 48.7 minutes.