Erling Braut Haaland just keeps getting better and better and better.You'd be mistaken for thinking that the 19-year-old has been on an exponential rise since scoring nine goals in a single match for Norway at the U20 World Cup last summer.And if that is indeed what you're thinking, then you're probably not far wrong because Haaland quickly found himself competing for the European Golden Shoe in his breakout season.

Haaland's incredible year

The superstar-in-the-making earned himself a January move to Borussia Dortmund after scoring 28 goals in just 22 games for Red Bull Salzburg, including a debut Champions League hat-trick.

So, naturally, it should come as little surprise that Haaland scored a hat-trick on his bow for BVB, despite being a substitute, before ending the season with 16 goals in Germany.

And with the 2020/21 campaign just a few days away from commencing, it feels as though Haaland is already firing himself up to produce another year of goals galore.

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Haaland shines vs Northern Ireland

That's because the Dortmund starlet was on top form during Norway's UEFA Nations League clash with Northern Ireland, scoring twice and chipping in with an assist.

To say there was a dramatic start to the game at Windsor Park would be quite the understatement with Mohamed Elyounoussi and Paddy McNair exchanging goals in the first six minutes.

But it was Haaland's strike on just seven minutes - yes, three goals in barely 400 seconds - that was by far the best of the bench, finding the top corner with astonishing power first time.

Norway eventually reached half-time with a three-goal advantage, before Haaland extended the Scandinavian's lead by turning provider for Alexander Sørloth's second of the night.

Haaland celebrates like Michu

Haaland then wrapped up his incredible performance with a second goal, finding the top corner with a superb left-footed finish, but it was actually his celebration that caught the eyes of fans.

That's because Haaland brought his hand in line with his ear, clenched his fingers and proceeded to rotate it ever so slightly back and forth in what was surely a tribute to one of his heroes.

'Who?' we hear you ask, well, the answer is none other than Michu, who is something of a cult hero in the Premier League for his remarkable, lightning-in-a-bottle 2012/13 season at Swansea.

Haaland's love for Michu

Don't believe us? Well, Haaland just recently answered a Twitter question by saying that Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Michu were the footballers who inspired him the most.

Combine that with the fact Haaland used to tag himself on Instagram as the Swansea forward as well as having formed a friendship with the Spaniard and the evidence speaks for itself.

So, sure, Haaland might have been reiterating his status as a future Ballon d'Or winner by tearing apart Northern Ireland on Monday, but he did so by paying tribute to an unlikely hero.

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