ERLING BRAUT HAALAND has already cemented his place as one of the world’s most feared forwards with a remarkable scoring record.
While the Norwegian wonderkid continues to steal the headlines, his 16-year-old cousin from his mother’s side is proving their sky-high talent runs in the family.
Albert Braut Tjaaland, 16, is the cousin of Haaland
Albert Braut Tjaaland is nicely going about his business on the field under the radar while Haaland steals all the limelight.
And rightly so after bagging an eye-boggling 40 goals already this season.
But there could be a new sheriff in town in the next couple of years after Tjaaland made his first-team debut for second division side Bryne – the boyhood club of Haaland.
A fellow striker, Tjaaland was given the last 15 minutes of a friendly clash against Egersund on Saturday.
Speaking to Norweigian publication VG after the contest, he said: “It’s been my dream since I was little to play on the A-team. I wasn’t expecting to make the debut already, less than a month after I turned 16.”
Similarities to Haaland
There are more similarities between the pair than just their bleach blonde hair.
Tjaaland is just a few months behind his cousin when it came to making his debut.
Haaland was 15 when he pulled on the Bryne shirt for the first time – four years later he has scored eight Champions League goals in six appearances including two against Paris Saint-Germain.
Like the Borussia Dortmund ace, Tjaaland also plays as a striker but is right-footed.
VG write he has all the same traits as Haaland by claiming he has “power, speed and is physical.”
Not only that, he stands at over six feet tall – all the attributes needed to be a prolific goalscorer.
Erling Haaland made his Bryne debut aged just 15
Erling Haaland is one of the most prolific strikers in EuropeCredit: EPA
Scoring for fun
It is no wonder he has already been handed his opportunity in the first team after a frightening goal record at youth level.
Stats doing the rounds online suggest he has bagged 30 in 22 games across one season.
Another junior campaign also claims he has a whopping 34 goals in 15 appearances.
He may need to remain patient before getting on the scoresheet for the senior side in the Norwegian second division side.
Haaland had to wait 422 minutes to bag his first senior strike in Norway but after that it was raining goals.
It would be no surprise to know who Tjaaland’s inspiration is on the field.
He told VG: “He (Haaland) is a great inspiration. It’s amazing what he’s done. What he manages to show in every match.”
Future’s bright for Norway
Norway, who sit 44th in the Fifa world rankings, could boast one of the most fearful attacks in international football.
If his development is anything like his cousin, then Norway will have Haaland and Tjaaland causing havoc among defences.
And who could forget Real Madrid superstar Martin Odegaard playing in the No10 role behind them.
The 21-year-old is currently on loan at Real Sociedad where he continues to shine in LaLiga.
He has scored seven goals and five assists this campaign including against his parent club Real in the Copa Del Rey.
But Tjaaland is not getting ahead of himself.
When quizzed on his future ambitions, he responded: “I want to reach as far as possible, the goal is to get up to the a-team and make a debut in Division 2 this year. It’s just hard work.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
