The football world first took notice of the prolific Manchester City striker when he scored nine goals in a single game at the U-20 World Cup.
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From that moment it was clear that a generational talent had arrived. Since then, the Norwegian has become one of the most feared forwards in world football.
Haaland is a phenomenon. At times, he barely seems human, more like a goal-scoring machine built for a single purpose. The way he overwhelms defenders with sheer intensity is amazing.
But his game isn’t just about physical dominance. Beyond his strength and speed lies a clinical advantage that sets him apart. Its completion is completely on another level.
Left foot, right foot, headers, long shots, score calmly and precisely in every situation. His movement within the box is equally elite, always finding the right space to exploit even the slightest opportunity.
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In short, he is the most complete striker in modern football.
According Anfield ClockLiverpool had the opportunity to sign him during his early days in Norway, when he was offered to several clubs before Molde gave him his breakthrough.
Now, however, the Reds’ academy could be molding a player in a similar mould, and if his development continues at this rate, a first-team breakthrough may not be far away.
Harrison O’Brien is attracting a lot of attention lately in Liverpool’s academy. He scored a hat-trick in the U15 Merseyside Cup against Ferencvaros earlier this season and has just scored another hat-trick in the U15 Premier League Cup final to help Liverpool’s U15 team win the tournament.
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As if that were not enough, he has also scored a double hat-trick this season.
He scored six goals in Liverpool U15’s 7-1 victory over Stoke City.
So, the kid is talented and loves to score goals, just like Haaland. What’s impressive is that O’Brien’s goals are not all the same. He has good range, capable of scoring from long range and from close range. He is fast, powerful and lethal in front of goal in and around the box.
Furthermore, he is a hardworking forward who can also play on the wing and works very hard.
The club’s inner circles are starting to get excited about O’Brien’s potential.
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This is according to the Daily Mail, which states that an expert source related to Liverpool’s academy said the following about the young striker:
“It’s scary, like a young Erling Haaland”
With long hair and the ability to score goals for fun, it’s easy to see where those comparisons come from.
He’s only 15, but he’s been playing in a few age groups above his own and has already scored a whopping 50 goals this season at academy level.
In total, according to The Talent Hunter on Instagram, O’Brien has 74 goal contributions this season, including 51 goals and 23 assists.
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But that was a few months ago and since then he has scored a few more.
The dynamic striker has already spent a lot of time with the club’s under-16 team and could follow the path of Luca Eden by making his under-18 debut very soon, perhaps even before the season is over, but definitely next season.
From the under-18s, the path to the first team is only short and if he scores that many goals there too, it won’t be long until O’Brien is working alongside Arne Slot’s side, especially considering the lack of depth in those attacking positions at the club.
Liverpool haven’t had much luck producing youth forwards in recent years. Many have come, but so far many have failed to leave their mark.
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Players such as Adam Morgan, Rhian Brewster, Jerome Sinclair and Krisztian Nemeth were prolific at youth level, but then never burst onto the scene in the first team.
Jayden Danns is hoping to break that trend and O’Brien is definitely a name worth keeping an eye on as well.
He is another great talent that is reaching the ranks of the academy, which now seems very strong.
Liverpool’s future is definitely in good hands. And soon the next Haaland may join the first team, if he maintains his performance.