Is Haaland Becoming EPL’s Best-Ever Striker?

Erling Haaland’s impact on the Premier League has been nothing short of phenomenal. Since joining Manchester City in the summer of 2022, the Norwegian striker has shattered records, defied expectations, and established himself as a relentless force on the field.

As of right now, Haaland’s trajectory suggests he could well become the Premier League’s greatest striker of all time. Here’s why.

Record-Breaking Performances

In his debut season (2022/23), Haaland set a new benchmark by scoring 36 goals in just 35 appearances, breaking the previous single-season record of 34 goals held by Alan Shearer and Andrew Cole. What makes Haaland’s achievement even more remarkable is that he accomplished this in a 38-game season, unlike Shearer and Cole, who set their records during a 42-game season.

Haaland has also already scored 50 Premier League goals in just 49 appearances, becoming the fastest player to reach this milestone. His average of 77.55 minutes per goal is unmatched in Premier League history, far outpacing legends like Thierry Henry, Sergio Agüero, and Harry Kane.

Unparalleled Goal-Scoring Efficiency

Haaland’s efficiency in front of goal is perhaps his most distinguishing feature. His goals come from a variety of situations—whether it’s a clinical left-foot finish, a powerful header, or a coolly taken penalty. Out of his first 50 Premier League goals, 48 were scored from inside the box, showcasing his exceptional positioning and finishing skills. This ability to consistently find the back of the net from close range has made him an indispensable asset for Manchester City.

Moreover, Haaland’s conversion rate and his ability to score in crucial moments have solidified his reputation as a game-changer. His performances in big matches, including his hat-tricks against top-tier teams, further underscore his status as a generational talent.

Comparisons with Premier League Legends

When comparing Haaland to Premier League greats, the numbers strongly favour the Norwegian. Legends like Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, and Wayne Rooney all have illustrious careers with over 100 Premier League goals, but none started as explosively as Haaland. For instance, Shearer took 124 games to reach 100 goals, while Haaland is on track to potentially achieve this milestone in fewer than 100 matches if he continues at his current pace. He is currently on 70 goals in 69 appearances, averaging more than one goal per game.

Even Alan Shearer, the Premier League‘s all-time top scorer, has acknowledged Haaland’s extraordinary talent, recently admitting that he’s “running out of words” to describe the young striker. This recognition from a player of Shearer’s calibre speaks volumes about Haaland’s impact on the league.

Longevity and Potential

Haaland is only 24 years old, and he is already rewriting the record books. His physical attributes—standing at 194 cm tall and blessed with incredible speed and strength—make him a nightmare for defenders. Barring injuries, there is every reason to believe that Haaland could dominate the Premier League for the next decade, potentially surpassing Shearer’s all-time goal record of 260 goals.

Furthermore, Haaland’s adaptability and continuous improvement under Pep Guardiola suggest that he could evolve into an even more complete forward. Guardiola’s system, which emphasises ball retention and positional play, has already brought out the best in Haaland, and there is still room for growth.

Conclusion

Erling Haaland’s first two seasons in the Premier League have been nothing short of spectacular. His ability to break records, his unmatched efficiency, and his potential for longevity put him on a path to becoming the greatest striker the league has ever seen. While the Premier League has been home to some of the greatest forwards in football history, Haaland’s combination of talent, physicality, and goal-scoring prowess sets him apart.

If he continues at this rate, it’s not a question of if Haaland will become the Premier League’s greatest striker, but when. The future is bright for Manchester City’s talisman, and the Premier League is witnessing the rise of a true legend in the making.