Words rarely do justice to the athleticism and propriety required to achieve Haaland’s goal, or even his teammates were surprised.
In his on-field interview, Foden told TNT Sports: “I just spoke to him and said, ‘If I tried to do that, I’d pull my groin!’
“I don’t understand how he does it. It shows that he has this ability that no one else can do.”
The goal was reminiscent of the one Haaland scored against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League two years ago.
But that, as brilliant as it was, was a volley he scored when he was facing the net. His goal against Sparta Prague on Wednesday came when he was facing the wrong direction, but he somehow managed to turn and produce enough power with his backheel volley to score.
“It used to be a fantastic goal,” Nunes said. “I was speechless after that shot.
“When he scored against Dortmund I saw it on television. Seeing it live was incredible.”
Former Manchester Town defender Joleon Lescott told TNT Sports: “It was a unique ending.
“It’s not a finish that many forwards would struggle with and even explode at. It’s distinctive of him and his athleticism.”
Former Manchester City defender and England captain Steph Houghton said on Match of the Day: “That finish used to be something else.
“He is the only striker in the world who can score from those positions.”
