FOOTBALL sensation Erling Haaland has been nicknamed “Daemon” by his Manchester City tea-mmates thanks to his striking resemblance to Daemon Targaryen from TV show House of the Dragon.
The Norwegian striker has taken the Premier League by storm, scoring an incredible 32 league goals already this season and equalling Mo Salah’s record.
The 22-year-old bears an uncanny resemblance to the character played by actor Matt Smith in the Game of Thrones spin off prequel series.
Haaland scored three in just 38 minutes during City’s 6-0 demolition of Notts Forest last August – proving he’s a “Daemon” in the box.
That was one of six hat-tricks he has mustered this season – netting 48 goals in all competitions.
The nickname has stuck in the dressing room, with the likes of John Stones and Phil Foden blown away by Haaland’s talents.
A club insider said: “A few of the players are huge fans of House of Dragon and they have mentioned to Erling how much he looks like Daemon.
“He loves a joke and thinks it’s funny. Daemon is unpredictable and so is Erling so their personality’s fit as well.”
Fans have embraced the lookalike doubles with One Blues fan joking on Twitter: “Didn’t know Daemon Targaryen plays for Man City with the pseudonym Haaland on the back.”
Another said: “As well as being a great football player @ErlingHaaland is excellent as Daemon Targaryen in House of the Dragon.”
Daemon is the volatile younger brother of King Viserys who is known as the Rogue Prince.
He is thought to be next in line to the Iron Throne, until King Viserys names Princess Rhaenyra as his heir.
He is an experienced warrior who rides the dragon Caraxes.
City signed Haaland last summer for £51m from Borussia Dortmund.
And the Norweigan has been nothing but prolific since his arrival at the Etihad – with the club fighting to win the treble.
