Unpacking Erling Haaland's Goal-Scoring Prowess: More Than Just Finishing

Erling Haaland's incredible goal-scoring record has sparked debate about what makes him so effective in front of goal. While his finishing is above-average, it's his ability to consistently create high-quality chances that sets him apart.

By Chris Posiano

September 10, 2025 at 3:27 AM

9,105 views

Erling Haaland has once again made headlines with his impressive goal-scoring record. In his debut season with Manchester City, he broke the record for most goals scored by a player in a Premier League season with 36 goals. His recent performances have only added to his tally, with five goals in Norway's 11-1 win against Moldova, taking his international goal count to 48 in 45 games.

Haaland's goal-scoring ability has led many to consider him an unbelievable finisher. However, according to statistics, his finishing is not the sole reason behind his phenomenal success. Given the quality and quantity of chances he has had since joining the Premier League in 2022, the average player would have scored around 84 goals, meaning Haaland's above-average finishing accounts for just four of his impressive goal tally.

So, what makes Haaland such a prolific goal-scorer? The answer lies in his exceptional movement, anticipation, and reflexes, which make him a nightmare for defenders. His strength, speed, and height also contribute to his ability to create and capitalize on high-quality chances. While playing for Pep Guardiola's side undoubtedly provides him with great service from his teammates, his individual skills set him apart from other strikers.

A comparison with Sergio Aguero, another world-class striker who played for Manchester City, highlights Haaland's brilliance in creating great chances. Despite shooting more often than Haaland, Aguero didn't score as many goals, and their shot conversion rates suggest that Haaland was more clinical. However, when taking into account the quality of their shots, Aguero was actually a better finisher.

Haaland's ability to consistently create high-quality chances is remarkable, and it's a key factor in his goal-scoring success. Unlike other top forwards in Europe's top five leagues, who often have to choose between taking lots of lower-quality shots or fewer, high-quality ones, Haaland manages to take a lot of shots while maintaining exceptional quality.

As the new Premier League season begins, Haaland is already showing signs of his unstoppable form, with three goals in three games and twice as much expected goals (xG) as any other player. His impressive performances suggest that there is more to his goal-scoring prowess than just his finishing, and fans can expect to see more of the same from the Norwegian striker in the future.