Erling Haaland has wasted no time making himself at home on the World Cup stage, adapting with the ease and precision of a machine built for the occasion.
The Norway striker marked his tournament debut in memorable fashion a few days ago, scoring twice against Iraq with the kind of ruthless penalty-box instincts that have come to define his game.
His next challenge comes against a Senegal defence featuring Kalidou Koulibaly, one of the standout African centre-backs of his era, though now 35 and no longer quite the dominant force he was during his peak years at Napoli.
Former Everton and Wales defender Ashley Williams has offered Senegal some advice on how to contain Haaland, who has scored an extraordinary 57 goals in 51 appearances for Norway, in comments shared via BBC Sport.
Williams stressed that Senegal’s first priority must be cutting off the passes that allow Haaland to run in behind, saying the key is to stop the service before it reaches him.
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He added that if Senegal can keep the right distances between defence and midfield and reduce the number of chances Haaland receives, they will at least give themselves a realistic opportunity.
Williams noted that Haaland is not the type of forward who regularly drops deep, collects possession, beats several defenders and creates everything by himself, pointing out that he thrives on the quality of the supply around him.
Near the penalty area, Williams said defenders must stay close to him and do their best to force him onto his right foot.
‘Then you’re just going to have to be as strong as you can, don’t be clever, just get the ball away and buy time.’
Easier said than done. Would Williams have kept him quiet? I’m not sure.
