The number 87 might seem arbitrary at first, but for avid football fans, especially those who follow EA Sports’ FIFA franchise, it represents the nascent stages of a future legend. 87 was the rating given to a young Erling Haaland in FIFA 20, hinting at the immense potential that lay dormant within the then 19-year-old striker. This article delves into the story behind “87 Erling Haaland,” charting his meteoric rise, examining the significance of his early FIFA ratings, and analyzing the factors that have catapulted him to global stardom.
From Bryne to the Big Leagues: The Early Promise
Born in Leeds, England, Haaland’s journey began in Bryne, Norway, where his innate talent for football shone brightly from a tender age. His exceptional goal-scoring prowess at Bryne FK, his hometown club, earned him a move to Molde FK, marking the first significant step in his professional career. It was at Molde, under the guidance of current Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, that Haaland truly began to flourish.
His prolific goal-scoring exploits at Molde didn’t go unnoticed, attracting interest from several European clubs. In 2019, Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg secured his services, setting the stage for Haaland’s grand entrance onto the European stage. His performances in the Austrian Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League were nothing short of sensational, with his hat-trick on his Champions League debut against Genk serving as an early warning sign to the world of his extraordinary talent.
The Significance of 87: A Glimpse into the Future
Erling Haaland Goal Celebration
Haaland’s breakthrough season at Salzburg coincided with the release of FIFA 20, where he was given an initial rating of 77. However, his exceptional performances throughout the season didn’t go unnoticed by the FIFA rating adjusters. In a matter of months, his rating skyrocketed to 87, a testament to his rapidly developing skills and his growing influence on the pitch.
This dramatic increase in his FIFA rating reflected not only his real-life performances but also served as a prediction of his future trajectory. It highlighted his immense potential and marked him out as a player destined for greatness. For context, an 87 rating in FIFA 20 placed Haaland amongst some of the best young players in the world, surpassing the likes of Jadon Sancho and Phil Foden at the time.
Beyond the Numbers: Deconstructing Haaland’s Dominance
While his FIFA ratings provided a numerical testament to his ability, it’s his unique blend of physical and technical attributes that truly sets him apart. Haaland possesses a rare combination of blistering pace, brute strength, and clinical finishing, making him a nightmare for any defender. He’s not just a target man; he’s a complete forward who can score from a variety of positions and angles.
Beyond his physical gifts, Haaland possesses a remarkable footballing IQ. His off-the-ball movement is exceptional, often ghosting past defenders to find himself in goal-scoring positions. His positioning and timing are impeccable, allowing him to consistently outmaneuver his opponents.
Erling Haaland Attacking for Borussia Dortmund
The Rise Continues: Conquering New Heights at Dortmund and Beyond
Haaland’s stellar performances at Salzburg earned him a move to Borussia Dortmund in January 2020. The Bundesliga provided the perfect platform for Haaland to continue his development, and he didn’t disappoint. He took to German football like a duck to water, scoring goals for fun and terrorizing defenses with his relentless pressing and clinical finishing.
His goalscoring exploits continued on the biggest stage, the UEFA Champions League, where he consistently found the back of the net against Europe’s elite clubs. His performances for Dortmund further solidified his status as one of the most coveted young players in world football, attracting interest from Europe’s biggest clubs.
Conclusion: 87 Erling Haaland – The Journey is Just Beginning
From his early days at Bryne FK to his record-breaking feats at Borussia Dortmund, Erling Haaland’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. His 87 rating in FIFA 20 proved to be a prophetic indication of the meteoric rise that was to follow. He has evolved from a promising youngster to a global superstar, captivating fans worldwide with his extraordinary talent and insatiable hunger for goals. As he continues to break records and redefine the art of goal scoring, one thing is certain: the legend of 87 Erling Haaland is only just beginning.