Erling Haaland reflected on his experience with VAR as the system suits his playing style, particularly after breaking a two-year absence from being flagged offside during Manchester City’s thrilling 5-4 victory over Fulham. In that match, he not only ended his record of never being caught offside in an away Premier League game but also became the fastest player to reach 100 goals in the league.
While many strikers have had to recalibrate their approach since the introduction of VAR, Haaland expressed relief rather than concern. His father, Alfie Haaland, previously suggested that VAR would benefit him due to the way he times his runs. The striker shared insights during an interview, addressing his first offside call in two years as a result of a bad pass.
“It’s the way I’ve been playing since I was 13,” he said, emphasizing that timing is crucial in scoring opportunities. “The worst thing for me is going offside because then you’ve got no chance of scoring a goal,” he noted, underscoring how remaining onside is vital for his success on the pitch.
Haaland also addressed his transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City in 2022, emphasizing the significance of timing in that decision. With 86 goals in 89 appearances for Dortmund, several clubs were eager to sign him. However, his connections to the Premier League through his father and the league’s popularity in Norway influenced his eventual choice to join City.
He stated that the combination of Pep Guardiola’s coaching, City’s need for a striker, and his desire to make history motivated him to make the move. Haaland articulated the thrill of joining a team that could utilize his speed and goal-scoring abilities to enhance their game.
As the striker continues his impressive form, he remains focused on the importance of timing, both in his runs on the field and in the course of his career. Haaland’s insights reflect a deep understanding of the game and a clear vision of what drives his success, underscoring his position as one of the Premier League’s standout talents.
