The fear of falling apart proved to be true when Leeds United failed to make it through to the Premier League following a playoff semifinal defeat against Derby County. The years of anguish and agony seems to have stretched for at least twelve more months, but the supporters seem to have found something to cheer about recollecting a few passionate words of the Norwegian teenage sensation Erling Braut Håland.
“I want to be the best possible. The dream is to win the Premier League with Leeds. In addition, the goal is to become a better player than my dad was. I hope to get more caps than he did.”
Stated the youngster to Aftenposten while making strides through the youth ranks of Bryne. The son of former Leeds midfielder Alf-Inge Håland has recently made the headlines after notching nine goals for his nation in the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup against Honduras.
The youngster was born in West Yorkshire back in 2000 when his father made a switch to Manchester City from Elland Road. A horror tackle of Roy Keane ended Håland senior’s career three years later which is still considered as one of the most controversial moments in Premier League’s history.
The 18-year-old centre-forward enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Molde last year having notched 16 goals in Eliteserien and Europe combined. His stunning streak earned him a January switch to Austrian Bundesliga with Red Bull Salzburg earlier this year, and the player has already exhibited his excellence in front of goal in limited game time.
Although too young to step up and meet the grind and demand of the English calendar, the supporters are rooting for a transfer in the forthcoming future. Håland is much ahead of his age group and has already made significant strides in senior football. He is strong, holds a physical as well as aerial supremacy, has an instinct to find the net having showcased his great sense of positioning in and around the 18-yard box.
The Whites are currently relying on Kemar Roofe and Patrick Bamford to spearhead their attack. Roofe, however, has struggled to rediscover his Midas touch since returning from an injury whereas Bamford, the former Chelsea prodigy, has failed to settle in and adjust to Bielsa’s brand of football in the decisive months of their season.
Youngster Tyler Roberts has been deployed more like a utility option rather than a prolific ‘number 9’ and the club, therefore, must keep close tabs on the Norwegian starlet with a view of making a move before the big boys of Europe join the queue to tie down this amazing prospect.
