Solbakken: 'Never before has there been a player who plays football this way'

National team coach Ståle Solbakken lauded Erling Braut Haaland's distinctive approach to football following Norway's surprising elimination of Brazil from the tournament. Haaland scored twice in the match, securing a pivotal win for his team.

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All great players have a need to show themselves. If they are not involved in the game, they often seek the ball deep on the pitch to say: 'Here I am.'

"All great players have a need to show themselves. If they are not involved in the game, they often seek the ball deep on the pitch to say: 'Here I am,'" Solbakken explained. However, he identified Haaland as an exception to this rule. "Erling is indifferent and knows what he is best at. He knows what he can help the team with. That's how it was on Sunday too," Solbakken stated, emphasizing Haaland's patient yet impactful presence on the field.

Solbakken further commented on Haaland's unique style: "There has never been a player before who plays football in this way." Haaland's performance has drawn comparisons to football legends, with VG's commentator Trond Johannessen noting his extreme specialization within the 16-meter box. "There have certainly been many prolific goalscorers, but Haaland has a completely unique expertise in that part of the game," Johannessen said.

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Erling is indifferent and knows what he is best at. He knows what he can help the team with. That's how it was on Sunday too.

Haaland's efficiency in front of goal is statistically remarkable. He has scored seven goals in the tournament, matching Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi. According to Opta, only Gary Lineker's 1986 World Cup performance has been more effective than Haaland's in terms of efficiency. He leads in statistics such as fewest ball touches per shot and fewest ball touches per goal. While Lionel Messi surpasses him in minutes per goal scored, Haaland's ability to decide matches with minimal touches is a standout feature.

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There has never been a player before who plays football in this way.

"One action is enough to decide the game. Brazil's defenders packed Haaland in front of the goal, but suddenly he is there with two goals," remarked Kjetil Rekdal. Haaland's prowess has captured global attention, with The Athletic FC podcast host Emma Paton calling him "unstoppable."

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There have certainly been many prolific goalscorers, but Haaland has a completely unique expertise in that part of the game.