Haaland joined Dortmund as a 19-year-old in 2019 after enjoying a prolific campaign with RB Salzburg. But despite his outstanding record in front of goal, the striker was considered more of a rough diamond than the finished product.
During three seasons in Germany, Haaland improved massively on a technical level and bagged 86 goals in 89 appearances. He trained with Brandt during that spell and the Dortmund midfielder was impressed by his desire to improve.
When Erling [Haaland] moved to BVB, the very strict Covid-19 period soon arrived,” Brandt told SportBILD. “And because of the rules, we were only allowed to train in teams of two.
“Erling was my training partner. It was really incredible how quickly he was able to improve his weaknesses.
His heading game. The first touch. His right foot. Not even remotely comparable to Erling Haaland today. Three months later I thought: My god, how did he manage to improve it all so quickly?
Haaland&aposs desire to develop has been evident ever since arriving at City in a 51million deal last summer. Despite scoring 52 goals and breaking countless records last season, the 23-year-old consistently accepted the need to improve in build up play for Pep Guardiola&aposs side.
Even after winning the Champions League in June, rounding off a historic treble, Haaland took the chance to ask Thierry Henry where he could improve his game. After receiving some kinds words from the Frenchman, he said: “I agree – don&apost forget I&aposm 22. Think back to when you lot were 22. There&aposs so much that you are going to learn.
“From when I signed from Dortmund to now there&aposs such a big difference from so many things. From how I think after games, how I think before games, how I motivate myself, how I speak to others. You get experience through people and on the pitch. I agree – I can develop so much more.”
