Haaland: Quick shots are best, while Messi is one of a kind!

In a report on September 8, UEFA published a previous interview with Haaland. During the interview, Haaland focused on his playing style, especially topics centered around scoring goals. When discussing goalscoring, he naturally mentioned one of the greatest scorers in history, Messi. Haaland pointed out that, in general, shots should be completed as quickly as possible because this makes it difficult for goalkeepers to react. However, Messi is an exception, as he can still complete shots and score after consecutive dribbles through his outstanding technique and individual ability, making it difficult for goalkeepers to judge his true intentions and rhythm.

Haaland's scoring efficiency is remarkable. During the World Cup period, he also showed performances comparable to Messi, Mbappe and Kane. In addition, in a recent Premier League match, Haaland helped his club reach the milestone of 300 goals. Although his appearances have not yet reached 400, he has surpassed Ronaldo and is only a few games behind Messi, demonstrating his exceptional ability.

When discussing the secrets of efficient finishing, Haaland shared some observations about high-quality shots. He said there is no fixed standard for a high-quality shot; generally, if the shot is placed somewhere the goalkeeper cannot save, it can be considered a quality finish. He added that when the ball falls to his feet and he feels there is an opportunity, taking a quick shot is the best choice because this rapid release puts tremendous pressure on the goalkeeper. If he takes an extra touch, even a goalkeeper who reacts slightly late can still make a save, so the fewer touches he takes, the less defensive time he gives the goalkeeper.

Of course, Haaland also acknowledged that exceptions occasionally exist, and Messi is the player who can uniquely break the usual rules. He mentioned that goalkeepers can sometimes feel troubled, and Messi is a perfect example. Messi can take six or seven consecutive dribbles before shooting and still produce a high-quality finish, making his actions almost impossible for goalkeepers to predict. Even if they anticipate the direction, it is still difficult to prevent him from scoring.