Haaland Salzburg vs Liverpool: The Breakthrough That Almost Was

The “Haaland Salzburg Vs Liverpool” clash in the 2019/20 Champions League group stage was more than just a game; it was a glimpse into the future of football. While already making waves in Austria, this matchup put Erling Haaland on the radar of the world, and specifically, a certain Jurgen Klopp.

A Star is Born: Haaland’s Salzburg Exploits

Before diving into the specifics of the Liverpool matches, it’s important to understand the hype surrounding the young Norwegian. Haaland wasn’t just scoring goals for Salzburg; he was dismantling teams, breaking records, and leaving seasoned defenders bewildered.

Haaland celebrating a goal in the iconic Red Bull Salzburg kit

His Champions League debut was nothing short of spectacular, bagging a hat-trick against Genk. This was followed by a string of dominant performances, making him the hottest prospect in Europe. The footballing world, Liverpool included, was officially on notice.

The First Encounter: Anfield Awaits

The atmosphere at Anfield is legendary, and for Haaland, it was a baptism by fire. Liverpool, the reigning European champions, were at their peak, and the young striker was thrust into the cauldron.

Haaland about to take on Virgil van Dijk at Anfield

While he didn’t get on the scoresheet in that 4-3 thriller, his presence was undeniable. He troubled Liverpool’s backline with his pace, power, and intelligent movement, showcasing the potential that had scouts drooling. Liverpool won the game, but Haaland left his mark.

The Return Leg: A Near-Perfect Night

The return fixture in Salzburg was arguably Haaland’s true arrival on the world stage. Despite Salzburg ultimately losing a seven-goal thriller, Haaland scored their first goal, showcasing his predatory instincts and clinical finishing.

Haaland scores against Liverpool at Salzburg

His performance that night was a statement. He went toe-to-toe with Virgil van Dijk, one of the best defenders in the world, and more than held his own. The football world, including a certain Jurgen Klopp, was left in awe.

Klopp’s Admiration: Seeds of a Future Move?

Jurgen Klopp’s admiration for Haaland was no secret. The Liverpool manager was effusive in his praise for the young striker, both during his time at Salzburg and afterwards. He recognized Haaland’s incredible talent and potential, and the two would cross paths again in the future.

You can read more about their relationship on our Haaland Klopp page.

The Legacy of Haaland’s Salzburg vs Liverpool

Though Haaland wouldn’t move to Liverpool, his performances against them remain etched in the memories of fans. They were a testament to his extraordinary talent and a sign of the incredible career that lay ahead.

For Liverpool fans, those games serve as a “what if?” moment. What if they had secured his signature back then? It’s a question that continues to linger, even as Haaland continues to break records and win trophies, albeit in the blue of Manchester City. For more on his current exploits, check out how many goals did alfie haaland score for man city.

You can find more information on his Salzburg career, including his complete stats, on our Haaland RB Salzburg stats page. And for a broader look at his journey so far, be sure to visit our dedicated Haaland career stats page.