Gibraltar defender Aymen Mouelhi felt somewhat underwhelmed after facing Erling Braut Haaland
The Norwegian striker has developed a reputation for being one of the most clinical forwards in football at the moment, as he reportedly has a number of the best clubs in the world pursuing his signature in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Haaland made a mockery of the record books when he became the youngest player to score 20 goals in the Champions League in only 14 appearances – a lot less than what Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo took to achieve the feat.
Such has been his form that Borussia Dortmund has now slapped a €180m valuation on their prized asset.
Haaland’s reputation and his performances in Europe for Red Bull Salzburg and now Borussia Dortmund has made defenders wary of the threat he possesses, as Gibraltar had their work cut out when they faced Norway in the World Cup qualifier this week.
We. Are. Ready. 🇳🇴 pic.twitter.com/EntuSQEFcD
— Erling Haaland (@ErlingHaaland) March 22, 2021
Even though Norway won the game 3-0, Haaland was left frustrated by the Gibraltar rearguard – a rare sight considering the vein of form that the forward has been in.
Following the game, defender Aymen Mouelhi took a dig at Haaland by saying that he expected more of the 20-year-old – who was largely ineffective and was taken off around the hour mark.
While the footballing world continues to awe over the mammoth and intimidating figure that Haaland is in front of the goal, the defender seemed to brush aside the hype around the talented young forward.
I think he was one of the most dangerous (he faced). But I expected more from him yesterday. Many thought that against Gibraltar, as a small team, he would score four or five goals.
Mouelhi on Haaland via Globo
When asked to rate Haaland after the match, Mouelhi commented that he indeed was one of the most dangerous players he has ever come up against, but he expected a much better performance from the Norwegian forward – as a lot of people counted Gibraltar out even before the game, and predicted Haaland to have a field day.
It was not to be the case on the night though, as Haaland’s threat was neutralized by the Gibraltar defence – a rarity in world football considering the young forward’s form over the past couple of years.
