Marin Ljubicic, The Cold-blooded Croatian Striker Who Broke Haaland's Record

Marin Ljubicic (Instagram @marinljubicic90)

JAKARTA - Erling Haaland's name first appeared in the headlines when he scored six goals in his first four games in the Austrian Bundesliga during the early stages of the 2019/20 season.

Marin Ljubicic has now broken that record. The Croatia Under-21 international, has scored six goals in his first three league games with LASK.

In Austria, only Tibor Nylasi and Oliver Bierhoff have reached this milestone. Ljubicic's tally rises to nine if you count the hat-tricks he scored in the Cup against Schaz.

The hat-trick he scored in just 60 minutes against Wolfsberger - in which he opened the scoring after just 28 seconds - has put him in the spotlight.

"I've never scored four goals in a game before... although it's true that I haven't been a pro for a long time," Ljubicic said after LASK's 5-1 win over Wolfsberger.

His new club is now talking about a future transfer. Ljubicic arrived on loan from Hajduk Split, but LASK booked a purchase option for just 2.4 million euros.

"Several Austrian and foreign clubs had him on their radar but we managed to convince him to come," LASK sporting director Radovan Vujanovic said of the player.

At Hajduk, Ljubicic had time to make his mark. He scored nine goals in 44 games.

In the Croatian league, he made his debut under Paolo Tramezzani, now at Sion. Ljubicic, then 19 years 20 days, came off the bench and scored the winner in the derby against Sibenik.

"It's an amazing feeling. I've dreamed all my life to make my debut for Hajduk," Ljubicic said after the game.

Former Sevilla player Ivica Mornar was also pleased with Ljubicic's debut stating that the player is ready for an early role.

"He scored a great goal. He is quick and good on the ball. If you have a player like that you have to give him a chance. He can and should play in the first team. He is ready," said Mornar.

Ljubicic is good at everything

His coach Dietmar Kuhbauer was quick to praise his new signing, pleased that he has hit a starting point and is looking to continue improving his game.

"He's scored six league goals and I don't mind if he stays like that," Kuhbauer said.

"After every training session he asks me where he can improve. He has good tendencies."

Ljubicic, for his part, is ambitious. He hopes to reach 20 goals in the league, finish in the top three while also winning trophies.

Like Kuhbauer, the Croatian is aware of his potential for development.

"I can improve in every aspect - my heading, my footwork, my running power," Ljubicic said.

"If I can do that, the goals will come."