Haaland's Five-Goal Masterclass Catapults Him Into Exclusive Elite Tier Alongside Neymar

Erling Haaland delivered the standout display of September's international fixtures, netting five times and providing two assists in Norway's commanding 11-1 victory over Moldova.

The Manchester City forward set up Norway's opening goal before completing a first-half treble, then added two more strikes after the break while creating the match's final goal.

This was yet another masterful display from the world's premier striker, earning him a place in a very select group.

Following his ruthless showing against Moldova, Haaland became just the fourth professional footballer to achieve a perfect 10.0 rating on FotMob. He joins Belgium's Thomas Meunier, who recorded three goals and three assists versus Gibraltar in 2017, along with Neymar Jr's four-goal contribution against Toulouse during his Paris Saint-Germain debut at the Parc des Princes in 2017.

Forward Omar Faraj was the latest player to earn a perfect 10 rating following a five-goal display in Sweden's top flight. Popular YouTuber Simon Minter also achieved a 10 rating from FotMob due to his outstanding showing in the 2022 Sidemen Charity Match. Including Miniminter would bring Haaland's position to fifth.

Haaland had the opportunity for a sixth goal but generously allowed Thelo Aasgaard to take a late penalty, enabling him to complete his own hat-trick. Remarkably, Aasgaard netted a fourth goal and finished with a 9.9 rating despite being a substitute.

Arsenal skipper Martin Ødegaard came close to joining this elite group, though his two goals and one assist only earned him a 9.6 rating.

This match represented Haaland's fifth treble in 45 international appearances for Norway, with his five-goal haul meaning he now has more goals (48) than caps for his nation. Likewise, Haaland boasts more goals (49) than Champions League appearances (48).

The 25-year-old striker has been finding the net with remarkable consistency over recent years. This prolific form shows no signs of slowing down at both club and international level.