Erling Haaland has teased the prospect of "an even better" Borussia Dortmund in the season ahead, despite the departure of Jadon Sancho.
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Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland believes that the Bundesliga giants could perform even better next season, despite the departure of Jadon Sancho to Manchester United. Sancho registered 38 goals and 45 assists in 104 Bundesliga appearances for Dortmund. The winger provided Haaland assists on seven occasions over the past one-and-a-half seasons. The England international has been among the league’s very best for total goal involvement since becoming a first-team player in 2018/19. However, Haaland is confident the likes of Gio Reyna, Marco Reus, Thorgan Hazard, Raphael Guerreiro and Julian Brandt can step into the creative void.
“Jadon and I had a really good understanding, he’s a top player and it’s sad he’s gone, but that’s football. There are a number of other players I work well with. It can even be better. We’ll just have to see who I work best with,” said the attacker from Dortmund’s pre-season training camp.
“When I score a goal, I’m already thinking about the next one. I’ve won my first trophy. Now I want more. I have big dreams,” added Haaland.
The footballer has already hit it off with American teenager Reyna, as well as club captain Reus. Haaland also had Belgium international Hazard, Portugal international Guerreiro and Brandt to thank for a chunk of his 27 Bundesliga goals last season. Other players to assist a goal in the Bundesliga from the attacker include centre-back Manuel Akanji, Real Madrid-owned Reinier Jesus, Germany international Emre Can and academy product Ansgar Knauff.
The 21-year-old also scored a competition-leading 10 UEFA Champions League goals, and a further four during Dortmund’s triumphant DFB Cup run. The Norway international has 57 goals to show for his first 59 competitive outings for Die Schwarzgelben. Haaland will get his next shot at silverware on 17 August. Dortmund host record champions Bayern Munich in the DFL Supercup. The attacker is embarking on his second full season at the club, having made the switch from Red Bull Salzburg midway through the 2019/20 campaign.
Haaland has received praise from Youssoufa Moukoko who hailed the influence of the attacker, while outlining his goals for the new season with Dortmund. Moukoko’s second of three Bundesliga goals was assisted by the Norwegian.
“Erling is the striker’s striker. He scores goals, he fights, he works. He always wants to win, even in training. This attitude really helps the team,” said Moukoko.
“I want to collect more game minutes than in my first season, score more goals, provide more assists. I always want to be there when the team needs me. Of course, it will be difficult. But I have to trust my abilities. I need playing time. And I’m sure I will get more playing time. I want to win the Bundesliga with Dortmund. If we believe in ourselves, we can also go far in the Champions League,” he concluded.
Reyna is further another youngster, looking to add greater intensity to his game.
“He (Marco Rose) wants us to be very energetic, he wants the whole team to press. For myself, this is an area I can improve and he’s giving me little tips on how to get closer to attackers when they have the ball and to try and get the ball in areas where I can be more efficient on the defensive end. I’m trying to take every bit of advice in and I think I’m improving day by day,” stated Reyna.
