I go out of my body and become a ZOMBIE in games, says Erling Haaland as he explains his ‘addiction’ to scoring goals
MANCHESTER CITY goal-scoring machine Erling Haaland has likened himself to a “zombie” when he is on the hunt for his next goal.
The Norwegian striker has opened up about his addiction to scoring after devouring almost every record in his path.
The 23-year-old has scored 199 goals in 203 games for Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City and Norway.
Last term alone he scored a remarkable 52 goals in 52 games across all competitions, helping City claim a historic Treble.
Haaland also managed to sweep up the Premier League’s Player of the Year award.
The Norwegian is known for being a serious threat in the penalty area – but that can result in periods when he appears out of the game.
He said he has faced criticism for his style of play and now compared himself to a “zombie” at times when he is not putting the ball in the back of the net.
He told the Telegraph: “In the games, normally people criticise me for not touching the ball.
“I can drop in and touch the ball a couple of times but I am just kind of walking around, standing up there, making movements in my own world and not kind of… it’s difficult to explain.
“I go out of my body and become a zombie. It’s kind of a bit of a ‘zone out’.
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“Like looking around. Waiting for the chance. And when the chance comes I know I have to be ready, you know?
“I am still switched on but I kind of walk around and scan, scan. I am waiting for the chance and ‘if the ball comes there, this can happen, if the ball goes there, this can happen’.
“It’s a feeling. When the team are building up from the back I know I don’t need to be involved. I stand there and wait for the right moment to (snaps his fingers).”
But the striker has shown it does not matter if he is not darting up and down the pitch as he always gets the job done.
And according to the scoring superstar fans are now more shocked when he fails to score.
He added: “That’s how it becomes and it’s a positive thing – that people are more shocked when I don’t score than when I score.
“Norwegian media when I don’t score: Goalless! That’s the headline, that’s how it is. It’s a good thing. I am not complaining at all but, also, I signed for City to score goals.
“So, it was also a bit expected – maybe not so many – but I am still the one who is going to get the ball in the back of the net.”
Haaland has had a tremendous start this campaign with eight goals in seven league games.
His next job will be to finish off Arsenal when City head to the Emirates on Sunday afternoon.