ERLING HAALAND celebrated being named European Golden Boy by slapping four goals past hapless Hertha in the German capital.
The Norwegian beat off stiff competition from the likes of Ansu Fati, Alphonso Davies and Jadon Sancho to win the prestigious prize.
Erling Haaland bullied the hapless Hertha defenceCredit: Getty Images – Getty
And he showed exactly why he was worthy of the honour on Saturday night.
Hertha had actually gone in at the break ahead, with Matheus Cunha having given them a 33rd minute lead.
But the second 45 was the Haaland show.
The 20-year-old kicked things in the 47th minute off by tucking away an Emre Can cross, after a lovely move involving Thomas Meunier and Marco Reus.
He then doubled his tally two minutes later, providing an unerring left-footed finish after being played through by the mercurial Reus.
Haaland completed his hat-trick just after the hour mark, powering through Hertha’s backline following a loose pass, before sidestepping goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow and producing a simple finish.
Raphael Guerreiro got in on the act with 20 minutes remaining, before Cunha pulled one back from the penalty spot for the home side.
Haaland wheeled away in celebration after netting FOURCredit: EPA
Just moments later, however, Haaland had the last laugh, taking a Jude Bellingham pass into his stride before again slotting past Schwolow.
Such was the striker’s prowess, that manager Lucien Favre appeared to lose count of his tally on the touchline as he embraced Haaland following his substitution with five minutes remaining.
There was still time for one last special moment in the game, as 16-year-old prodigy Youssoufa Moukoko made his much-anticipated senior debut, when he replaced the four-goal striker late on.
I’m honest, I got a little angry with him at that moment, but that’s how football is
Erling Haaland
After the game, Haaland claimed that he could scored even more, and that he was a ‘little angry’ at Favre for substituting him.
He said: “To be honest, after the match, Favre asked me how many goals I had scored.
“He asked me: ‘Did you score three?’ And I said, ‘No, four. Only four because you replaced me’.
“I’m honest, I got a little angry with him at that moment, but that’s how football is.”
Youssoufa Moukoko, 16, made his senior debut late onCredit: AP:Associated Press
Erling Haaland will be the best striker in the world
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
