The recent statement made by Ståle Solbakken, the coach of the Norwegian national team, sheds light on Erling Haaland‘s remarkable journey and helps explain the immense hype surrounding him in the Premier League.
Solbakken emphasized that Haaland‘s body is continually improving and still growing, evident when comparing him now to just a year ago. The Norwegian superstar takes this aspect very seriously and is dedicated to making constant progress.
Haaland’s meticulous approach extends to various aspects of his training, nutrition, and recovery. His commitment to improvement is unparalleled, as confirmed by his father and sources from his previous club, Borussia Dortmund, where he focused extensively on enhancing his physique.
Quality sleep takes precedence for Haaland, and he approaches it with an almost obsessive determination, recognizing it as a vital factor in his performance on the field. To ensure a good night’s sleep, he wears glasses that block blue light and refrains from using electronic devices well before bedtime. He often isolates himself in the evenings, minimizing distractions and prioritizing rest.
Furthermore, Haaland regularly undergoes blood tests and utilizes a device on his finger to measure sleep quality and heart rate. While comparisons have been made between Haaland and football legends like Zlatan Ibrahimović, Calum Walsh, a former head of sports science, draws a different parallel.
Walsh believes that Haaland‘s attention to detail surpasses that of most players in the Premier League, reaching the level of Cristiano Ronaldo, where every aspect is meticulously considered. The Norwegian striker’s approach to his physique and well-being is unparalleled.
Since his time at Molde, Haaland‘s body mass has significantly increased. Currently weighing around 90 kg at a height of 195.2 cm, he has followed a dietary regimen that includes consuming up to 6000 calories per day, which has attracted considerable discussion.
Haaland‘s teammate, Joshua King, describes his eating habits as being akin to a bear’s, emphasizing the substantial amounts of protein he consumes. Growing up in a farming town, Haaland appreciates the benefits of locally produced, high-quality meat and also enjoys consuming offal and heart.
Despite his voracious appetite, Haaland maintains a balanced diet, incorporating fish and carbohydrate-rich foods. Before every match, his go-to choice is lasagna, a preference even joked about by Pep Guardiola. While he enjoys occasional indulgences like pizza or Chinese food during visits to Norway, he predominantly adheres to his routine and relies on the culinary expertise of the chefs at Manchester City.
Walsh notes that while most footballers fall within a certain range of height and weight, Haaland stands out with his unique physique. Consequently, his recovery methods differ, and he requires personalized care, likening him to a racehorse.
Ståle Solbakken shares this analogy, considering Haaland’s training in the gym. To maintain his speed and agility, the striker avoids excessive muscle development and mass gain, ensuring he remains the fastest player in Manchester City’s squad.
