Jurgen Klinsmann says ‘very impressive’ Erling Haaland can help Borussia Dortmund win trophies

The striker set a Bundesliga record with a weekend brace

Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund (Getty Images)

Former Germany striker and manager Jurgen Klinsmann has paid tribute to Borussia Dortmund forward Erling Braut Haaland, saying the Norwegian is capable of leading the team to major trophies.

The 20-year-old striker has been a massive success since signing for BVB last January from Salzburg, with two goals at the weekend in the win over RB Leipzig setting a new league record - 25 goals in his first 25 games.

Klinsmann, who was a Bayern Munich striker in the mid-90s and most recently managed Hertha Berlin for a brief spell last season, has pointed to the ongoing improvement in Haaland and says the link-up he has with his fellow forwards could take BVB to glory.

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“Haaland left his mark on this game. He not only scored two beautiful goals, but actually fought alone against the entire defensive line of Leipzig," he told ESPN.

"That was very, very impressive."

"It seems like month to month he’s getting stronger and he becomes more of a man. He’s maturing and he’s a very special player.

"There’s hope in Dortmund to win trophies, they’re a very ambitious club, it’s a big club.

"He’s comfortable there, and he has a blind understanding with [Gio] Reyna, [Jadon] Sancho and especially Marco Reus.”

Haaland has already been linked with a move away either this coming summer or next, while team-mate Sancho has also been likewise reported to remain top of Manchester United’s wish list, having found his own form improving recently.

Dortmund face Mainz at the weekend as they look to close the five-point gap at the top of the table to leaders Bayern Munich.