Fastest players in the top five leagues to reach 100 goals
Getting to 100 goals at the top level is a feat in itself, so these fastest players to reach 100 goals in the top five leagues are on the highest plain.
Erling Haaland's myth started when he was in Red Bull Salzburg and his teammates shared the stories of the peculiar Norweigan. Blasting the Champions League anthem in his car and sleeping with his hat-trick balls. But the Borussia Dortmund sensation revealed more about his life and the CL anthem in a lengthy interview.
Not only does he listen to the Champions League anthem, he also wakes up to it, as it is his alarm.
"I have been having that for a couple of years now. You know, it’s a very good anthem! For as long as I can remember, even when I was a really young kid, I was watching the Champions League. There were great teams with huge legends scoring goals. So that became my dream. My dream was to play in the Champions League, to score in the Champions League. You know that is where the best players play and that’s where the best players belong," said Erling to Telegraph.
He must be doing something right as he scored 20 goals in his first 14 Champions League games including a hat-trick on his debut. That is more than Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe achieved all together. It is the best start in the competition’s history, a goal every 56 minutes. The next best is Harry Kane who played 10 games more to reach 20 goals.
His childhood coach from Bryne, Alf Ingve Berntsen, described him as 'fearless' and to a point, Erling agrees.
"In terms of goals, yes. In terms of football then, maybe, yes also. It’s what I do and what I love. It’s the positive thing about me and football. When I play I try to enjoy what is a very beautiful game. I just really love the fact I am a professional footballer. And I am lucky that I have scored a few goals. Some of those moments you cannot describe. All I can say is whatever that feeling is I want more and more of it."
When asked about his peak and how far he is from it, he reminded the journalist and everyone that he is only 20 now, turning 21 in July. A key to his quick progress so far is that he doesn't want to be in the comfort zone, ever.
"I have been taking a couple of steps over the past few years and I think they have been good steps for me, personally, to get out of my comfort zone and to develop even more. I want to challenge myself in everything that I do. It’s something I think about. It’s also for everyone to always do this. People can sometimes be too comfortable staying in their ‘zone’ so I think it’s important to get out of that."
Even the brand machine that is Cristiano Ronaldo took years before he got his signature 'siiuu' celebration. Erling got his own zen meditation celebration probably before his 20th birthday.
"It started back in my Molde days, I learnt it from a friend. Sometimes I think it’s also important just to relax your head. You know, from everything from making sure that you sleep properly. But also to do a little bit different to make sure you are ready and perform in the best way you can. We are all different so it depends on how you want to do it. Some relax by watching TV and that’s fine. It’s very individual. But I like to meditate."
