Erling Haaland reveals one key secret thing he learned from Cristiano Ronaldo

Erling Haaland shared that he picked up the knack for moving in the penalty area by watching Cristiano Ronaldo’s videos. The 23-year-old, who recently had an impressive season with Manchester City, revealed this after finishing as the runner-up to Lionel Messi at the 2023 Ballon d’Or.

In his breakthrough season with Manchester City, Haaland scored an impressive 52 goals across all competitions, contributing to the team’s historic Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League treble. His goal-scoring prowess has continued into the 2023/24 season, with 17 goals in 18 appearances, attracting attention from Real Madrid and Barcelona.

While Haaland’s future in the Premier League remains uncertain, his potential has drawn comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo, a player he openly admires. Ronaldo, who enjoyed success with Manchester United, Juventus, and Real Madrid, left a lasting impact on Haaland, particularly with his off-the-ball movements.

Haaland shared insights into studying Ronaldo’s game, saying, “I remember always watching him on YouTube for his movements in the box: He used to make two or three moves before attacking the space he wanted to be in.” He emphasized the importance of timing and positioning in goal-scoring situations, crediting Ronaldo’s ability to make small yet effective movements in the box.

Reflecting on Ronaldo’s evolution as a player, Haaland acknowledged how the Portuguese star transitioned from his early years at Manchester United to becoming a more central striker at Real Madrid. Haaland praised Ronaldo’s scoring ability and highlighted the significance of the subtle movements that deceive defenders.

As for Ronaldo, the 38-year-old continues to showcase his goal-scoring prowess with Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, a path he paved for other notable figures in world football. Players like Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, and Riyad Mahrez have followed suit, opting to play in the cash-rich league. Several other Premier League alumni, both players and managers, have also made the move to the Middle East.

In contrast, Haaland has stayed focused on his performance on the field, amassing an impressive record of 207 goals in 216 games for both club and country since joining Red Bull Salzburg in 2018.

Haaland’s journey and admiration for Ronaldo’s style of play underscore the influence and inspiration that transcends generations in the world of football. As he continues to make headlines with his goal-scoring exploits, the footballing world eagerly awaits Haaland’s future decisions and whether he will follow in the footsteps of his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo.