Hertha BSC 2-5 Borussia Dortmund: Talking points as Erling Haaland leads BVB to victory
Erling Haaland shows the quality that saw him win the Golden Boy award in 2020
Erling Haaland’s scoring escapades never get old for those of us of a Borussia Dortmund inclination. The striker put in yet another wonderful performance, in many ways grabbing the game by the scruff of its neck and putting the result beyond doubt for his side with 4 critical goals in the second half.
While Haaland seemed dangerous all game, he didn’t truly come to life until the second half, but it only took the Norwegian international a minute from the restart to get onto a well weighted pass across the box from the ever-intrepid Emre Can, who, like Haaland, was an absolute monster all game, working to ensure Dortmund had every chance to come away with a win on the evening.
Can, playing from right centre-back made an adventurous overlapping run towards the Hertha goal and put a cross on a platter for Haaland, who wasn’t going to miss from there. The 46th minute would be the start of a phenomenal night for Haaland. The second of the night for the phenomenal striker came just two minutes later. A wonderful run by Haaland was capped off by a very clever pass from Julian Brandt. There was only one likely outcome with the ball ending up in the back the of the net just as as soon as Haaland latched onto it.
The third goal, coming in the 62nd minute, was an exemplary display of Haaland’s physical attributes and his ability to read the game very keenly. A mistake at the back for Hertha led to a misplaced back pass which Haaland not only muscled his way onto, but then managed to use his strength and pace to round the keeper and score, completing his hat trick in style. While it may seem like a gift from Hertha, this goal in particular was rather impressive in my eyes due to the fact that it took a level of anticipation and reading of the game players don’t always possess or act upon so instinctually.
The ability to read the game the way Haaland does makes him so much more than just an immense goalscorer. He can forge chances for himself at times, which makes him such an asset going forward.
The fourth goal was equally important and impressive, with Jude Bellingham providing the assist this time in what was a bid to answer quickly after Hertha had been awarded and scored a penalty at the other end. A well timed through ball was the perfect opportunity for Haaland to add a final touch to what was already a sublime performance.
Haaland would be taken off shortly thereafter, to his dismay, but it is the fact that he was disappointed not to stay on until the end that makes him the absolute weapon that he is on the pitch. His mentality is an element Dortmund have, for many years been lacking and. He is both goalscorer and determined motivator, an invaluable piece in the jigsaw for a team that at times over the last few seasons was capable of looking quite dejected and disinterested against opposition they should be beating quite comfortably.