Mika Biereth made a notable entrance to Monaco during the winter transfer window, where the 22-year-old forward confidently likened his playing style to that of Erling Haaland. Although this comparison appeared ambitious at the time, especially considering Biereth’s transition from Sturm Graz in the Austrian league, he has since demonstrated that his self-assurance was justified. 

In just seven Ligue 1 appearances for Monaco, Biereth has netted an impressive 10 goals, including three consecutive home hat-tricks. Only one of those goals came from a penalty, showcasing his natural finishing ability. Including his goals for Sturm Graz earlier this season, Biereth has now scored 24 times in 35 games across all competitions.

Monaco secured Biereth’s services for €13 million ($13.5 million), with an additional €2 million ($2.1 million) in potential bonuses—a deal that now looks like a bargain for a player of his caliber.

Playing Style and Comparisons

While Biereth may not possess blistering pace, he compensates with powerful running, intelligent movement, and exceptional positional awareness. His precise shooting and decisiveness in front of goal have drawn comparisons to Haaland, who is renowned for his clinical finishing.

Biereth’s goal-scoring ratio in Ligue 1 has already surpassed some of the league’s most celebrated forwards. He reached 10 goals faster than Zlatan Ibrahimovic (9 games) and Neymar (13 games) did during their stints with Paris Saint-Germain.

International Dilemma

As Biereth continues to shine, he faces a unique decision regarding his international future. Eligible to represent four countries—Bosnia (through his mother), Denmark and Germany (through his father), and England (where he grew up)—Biereth has already captained Denmark’s under-21 team but has yet to earn a senior cap.

“I’m in a unique situation. Few players can represent four countries,” Biereth said after his recent hat-trick against Reims. “My mother was born and grew up in Bosnia, my father is half-Danish, half-German, and I lived in England.”

PSG’s Priorities and Lyon’s Woes

Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique may rest key players for Saturday’s Ligue 1 clash against Rennes, with one eye on their crucial Champions League second-leg tie against Liverpool next Tuesday. Despite dominating the first leg, PSG suffered a 1-0 defeat and will need a strong performance at Anfield to keep their European hopes alive.

Rennes, under new coach Habib Beye, is finding form and will look to capitalize on any PSG rotation. The team recently thrashed Montpellier 4-0, with former PSG striker Arnaud Kalimuendo among the scorers.

In other news, Lyon coach Paulo Fonseca has been handed a nine-month touchline ban for aggressively confronting referee Benoît Millot during a match last Sunday. The ban, which also prohibits Fonseca from accessing the locker room or interacting with players during games, will run until September 15. Lyon, currently sixth in Ligue 1, faces a tough test against third-placed Nice on Sunday.