Despite just being 24, Erling Haaland has reached a level where other strikers across world football should perhaps analyse how he operates on the pitch.
West Ham United talisman Jarrod Bowen admitted he studied Haaland when he was deployed as a striker last season.
Usually, it is when players retire or are in the latter years of their careers when others study their game.
However, Haaland is already a master of his craft and it seems like he will only add more feathers to his bow as time progresses.
Thomas Frank praised Haaland by going as far as to say that his movement is some of the best he has ever seen.
For the 50-year-old to make such a claim about the £51 million man emphasises the respect he commands within the game.
Lineker urges Premier League striker to watch how Haaland plays
In an interview with GQ last January, the Manchester City phenomenon named Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Aguero, Robin van Persie, Jamie Vardy, Mario Balotelli, Alvaro Negredo and Edin Dzeko as the strikers he used to study growing up.
For the Norwegian international to become the world-class goalscorer he is today, it would have been important for him to do his due diligence.
Similarly, other strikers must also break down how Haaland, who is arguably the best player in his position remains as effective as he has since his time at RB Salzburg.
The two-time Premier League winner is the ideal reference point for any number nine as his goal record speaks for itself.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Gary Lineker advised Dominic Calvert-Lewin to study how Haaland plays.
“I mean, cor blimey, his one-on-one finishing is brilliant. And if I were a striker, if I was someone like [Dominic] Calvert-Lewin, I’d be watching Haaland. What’s he doing, get it out the feet, get it out the feet, go quickly, use that little scoopy finish, use a variety of finishes.”
“I mean, having said that, he does get a lot of chances in that Manchester City team. If he misses one, it’s not the end of the world. If you’re missing one at a club that’s struggling, then it can feel like the end of the world.”
The £120,000-a-week (Salary Sport) man is three years older than the former Borussia Dortmund marksman.
Studying Erling Haaland would suit every striker in the world
Yet, the Everton hitman has never shows any signs of becoming the force of nature Haaland is.
However, the same applies to a majority of strikers in world football.
Perhaps some strikers might be discouraged to study the Leeds-born frontman’s game as he is well and truly the complete package.
But due to Haaland’s unique well-roundedness, every striker across world football could learn a thing or two from his game.
From outlets to target men and penalty-box specialists, all such profiles will come to realise that the City number nine’s game is a masterclass in every aspect of being a striker.
Perhaps Calvert-Lewin could take Gary Lineker’s advice and it could lead to him improving his game.
