It is no secret that 2020 has been a phenomenal year for Erling Haaland. The Norwegian has established himself as one of the deadliest forwards in the game – and he has now been recognised for his efforts.
The Golden Boy award is handed out annually to the best player under the age of 21 playing in Europe. Nobody can argue that Haaland didn’t deserved the accolade this year.
Since joining Borussia Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg for €20m during the 2019/20 winter transfer window, the forward’s numbers have been frightening.
Overall, the 20-year-old has netted 31 goals in 30 appearances this year, as well as contributing six assists.
Haaland announced himself on the Bundesliga in style, netting a hat-trick on his Dortmund debut. He then scored a brace in each of his next two BVB appearances.
Despite only joining Dortmund in January, Haaland managed to finish sixth in the Bundesliga goalscoring charts last season, bagging 13 goals in 15 appearances.
This term, the Norwegian has already notched up ten goals in seven league matches, along with four goals in three Champions League outings.
In fact, since joining Dortmund, no player has scored more goals – excluding penalties – across Europe’s top five leagues than Haaland (22).
Other players on this year’s Golden Bouy shortlist included teammate Jadon Sancho and fellow Bundesliga youngster Alphonso Davies.
Ansu Fati (Barcelona), Phil Foden (Manchester City) and Eduardo Camavinga (Rennes) were also among the contenders. But we can all agree that there was only ever going to be one winner.
Ultimately, Haaland possesses all the right attributes to become one of the best forwards that football has ever seen.
His blistering pace, powerful physicality and clinical finishing mean that he is already among the best players in Europe right now.
But as Haaland continues to learn his trade and develop his game, he is only going to get better in the coming years.
With 31 goals in 30 appearances this year, there is no denying that Haaland fully deserved to win the 2020 Golden Boy award.
Let’s not forget that we still have another month remaining this year. If Haaland continues at his current rate, he will finish 2020 with even more goals – and even more admirers.