The last 25-30 years have seen a shift from athletes in all professional sports. Gone are the days of one-trick ponies that were capable of only one position. Athletes are better, faster, and stronger while having the ability to excel at many different aspects compared to athletes of years past. Haaland’s 2022 arrival at Manchester City to the Premier League by storm, and the 24-year-old is off to a fast start to leading the Premier League in goals scored for a third-straight season. Haaland is dynamic for several reasons, and his combination of athleticism in a 6’4” frame is the first thing noticed. Like all modern athletes, Haaland’s nutrition and workout regimen is second to none. Discipline is the key factor for staying at an elite level for an extended period.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 05: Manchester City’s Erling Haaland during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Fulham FC at Etihad Stadium on October 05, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Haaland’s speed is often hard to find in a player at his height. Many times, taller athletes are not as fast as their counterparts, but Haaland is the outlier. The key to Haaland’s speed is the emphasis he puts on developing his leg muscles. It is vital for taller athletes to have strong lower halves, and a strong lower half is what gives Haaland speed one does not normally see in taller athletes.
The ability to start and finish plays will always lead to success. Not only does Haaland do both well, but he plays well with his feet, head, and constant finesse. He always seems to be in the right place at the right time, and rarely does one catch him out of position or late to a spot. Zlatan Ibrahimovic comes to mind when thinking of a dynamic, taller player, but Ibrahimovic had nowhere near the speed or finesse Haaland possesses.
Chicago Bulls All-Star forward # 23 Michael Jordan file photos. (Photo by Tom Berg/WireImage)
Haaland’s dynamic playing ability can be attributed to size, speed, and strength, but the one thing that separates Haaland and other elite players is his mentality. All great players believe they are better, faster, and stronger than their counterparts and they process information on a different wavelength. When thinking of athletes who dominated their given sport while being on an entirely different wavelength, it’s guys like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Mike Tyson. During interviews, while breaking down their success, they analyze aspects of their spots differently than most and on a deeper level. The same can be said about Haaland. He sees plays develop before they happen, and he is always one step ahead of opposing players. Like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Mike Tyson, Erling Haaland has reached great heights due to his superior mental capability, similar to enlightenment in Buddhism. Haaland is the next generational talent of his sport. At 24 years old, he is at the top of his game and will raise eyebrows as he reaches new heights in his career. It’s not one thing that makes the Manchester City striker great, but the combination of size, speed, strength, discipline, and a heightened sense of mental awareness.