Erling Haaland speaking at the Ballon D'or after having won the Best Striker Award

How Haaland's mentality made him the BEST striker in the world

updated on October 31st 2023

5 mins read

Hailed as one of the biggest talents in the world of football, Erling Haaland has captured the attention and admiration of the football world ever since his days in Salzburg.

But unlike many other young talents he actually lived up to his potential and kept breaking one Bundesliga record after another during his time at Borussia Dortmund.

With Manchester City he then continued to break the record for most Premier League goals in his first ever season, won the treble for the first time in the club's history and now has been crowned with the Best Striker Award - the "Gerd Müller" trophy!

But far more than his technique or physique it were the following 4 mentality hacks that made Haaland the best striker in the world!

1) Persistence

Erling Haaland's persistence is one of his defining qualities as a player.

Whether he hasn't scored for three games in a row or has already netted three goals in a single game, his mentality doesn't change.

This consistency in his approach is a testament to his mental strength.

Many players might let a goal drought affect their performance, but Haaland is known for maintaining the same level of dedication and determination throughout.

This does not only make him one of the best soccer players in the world and role model for all players out there but was also one of the biggest reasons how he managed to score so many goals in the 2022/2023 Premier League season.

2) Discipline

Haaland's discipline is another striking feature of his game.

He is constantly focused on improving and maintaining his physical abilities. He employs various techniques and hacks to enhance his physicality, giving him an edge in matches.

This discipline extends to his mental approach as well, where he believes he is quicker, stronger, and superior to his defenders.

And you too can develop this kind of mentality, with the help of Rio Ferdinand's masterclass' on the Train Effective app.

Watch the masterclass about Discipline

3) Focus in the box

Haaland's focus in the penalty area is another factor that makes him one of the best footballers in european football.

When he is in a scoring situation, nothing distracts him. He remains concentrated and composed, ensuring that no defender, fans, or outside noise can disrupt his performance.

This ability to maintain concentration under intense pressure is what sets him apart from many soccer stars. It allows him to score in various ways – from flying kicks to towering headers to simple tap-ins.

4) Critical Thinking

Erling Haaland doesn't just rely on his physical abilities. He is also a critical thinker.

He regularly analyses his matches to not only improve his own game but also to understand how defenders are trying to thwart his efforts.

This intellectual approach to the game sets him apart as a complete player. By studying his opponents and their tactics, he gains a strategic advantage, which is a valuable asset on the football field.

This quality underscores the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in achieving success.

And you don't need to play in the top clubs or academy in order to continue growing & improving as a player! All you need is the Train Effective app. On there you can find the best drills & workouts, and everything you need to develop the mentality & football IQ like Erling Haaland.

Start right now by watching the episode in the Rio Ferdinand Mentality Course on the Train Effective app about Discipline:

If you want access to more mentality topics (e.g. confidence, motivation, leadership, etc.) click on one of the buttons below to try the app for free and build the mentality of a PRO!