Erling Haaland living up to his reputation at Dortmund

In football, the media overhyped many young players when they have had a god game or even a good tournament. They are then the best thing since sliced bread. Most youngsters never live up to their early hype after having unrealistic expectations laid on their shoulders.

However, occasionally, a young player shines so bright that it is hard to ignore them. One such player is Dortmund’s, Erling Haaland. The Norwegian youngster has blossomed into one of the most exciting young players in the European games in the space of six months. The problem may be maintaining his current levels of form. However, from what we have seen of the youngster so far that may not faze him.

Impressive displays for Salzburg

After impressing at last summer’s under-20 World Cup, winning the Golden Shoe, Haaland then preceded to impress for Red Bull Salzburg. He scored 17 times in just 16 appearances in the Austrian Bundesliga for Salzburg, while also scoring eight goals in just six Champions League matches. The 19-year-old scored in his clubs first five group games, before firing his own blank against Liverpool in their final match.

His superb form in front of goal was always going to attract attention from elsewhere. His form had Haaland linked with January moves to Manchester United and RB Leipzig. However, he chose to make the switch to German giants Dortmund.

Impressed already at Dortmund

There was a sense that the youngster may need time to adjust to life in the bigger brother of the Austrian Bundesliga, the German Bundesliga. However, Haaland has made an incredible start to life with BVB.

Haaland came off the bench to score five times in just 59 minutes in his opening two Dortmund appearances, a feat never achieved. On Saturday, he scored another brace in a 5-0 drubbing of Hertha Berlin at Signal Iduna Park. The double made him the first-ever player to score seven times in his first three Bundesliga appearances. The fact his goals have been scored in just 136 minutes of Bundesliga action is incredible.

It is hard not to be carried away by the young forward’s performances. However, if Haaland’s start to his BVB career is anything to go by, then Dortmund has produced a fine coup by snapping up the youngster. His signing may well go down as another shrewd move from Dortmund, who have a fine record of nurturing talent and polishing rough diamonds.

Haaland has fired Dortmund back in the title race

It is no coincidence that since Erling Haaland’s arrival Dortmund are back in the race for the Bundesliga title. His performances and goals have helped BVB back to form in the German top-flight. BVB are now only three points behind reigning champions Bayern Munich in the race to be crowned German champions. However, the Bavarians face a potentially tough clash with title rivals, RB Leipzig, this weekend.

If Bayern slips up, then Dortmund’s odds of 5/1 to win the Bundesliga are likely to change. Lucien Favre’s side are on a roll and can’t stop scoring courtesy of their new young Norwegian striker. He cannot possibly continue scoring at his current rate.

However, if he can remain a regular on the scoresheet then it will certainly improve Dortmund’s chances of staying in the title race. It will also only give Haaland a bigger reputation. He comes across a mature young guy and in father Alfie Inge Haaland, he has somebody who has experienced this life before, so he should remain grounded.

Can Erling Haaland inspire Dortmund to the Bundesliga title this season?