Gibraltar defender Aymen Mouelhi has claimed he expected more from Erling Haaland after the part-timers frustrated the Borussia Dortmund superstar.
The Norwegian is one of the most prolific strikers in world football and has only enhanced his reputation since moving to the Bundesliga.
Earlier this month, the 20-year-old became the youngest and fastest player to reach Champions League goals.
But against international minnows Gibraltar, Haaland failed to add to his six goals for Norway.
Stale Solbakken’s side ran out 3-0 winners, but the forward was withdrawn in the second half after failing to find the net.
And speaking to reporters after the game, Mouelhi suggested that his team’s gameplan helped to blunt the prolific Haaland.
Asked to rate the Dortmund star against previous opponents, he said: “I think he was one of the most dangerous.
“But I expected more from him yesterday. Many thought that against Gibraltar, as a small team, he would score four or five goals.
“These types of players are top notch, when you have to face one of these you have to prepare a lot.
“We know that he likes space, we try not to give space, because it is very fast and strong.
“You have to be focused not on his size, but on speed, because he makes a move and leaves you lost.
“You have to talk to the full-backs, with the team-mate.”
Haaland cut a frustrated figure as he was withdrawn in the action, not dissimilar to when he stormed off the pitch following Dortmund’s 2-2 draw with FC Koln last weekend.
On that occasion he threw his shirt to an onlooking member of the opposition, but Mouelhi suggested there was no such clamour for a piece of merchandise this time around.
He added: “I didn't speak to him, I didn't have time. I didn't ask (for the shirt). He was replaced, and when the game was over, everyone left. And I wouldn't go after it.”
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