Marin Ljubicic, the cold-blooded Croatian forward who has smashed Haaland records

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

Marin Ljubicic has now broken that record. The Croatian Under-21 international, has scored six goals in the 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-trick 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 firmly in the spotlight.

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

His new club are now rubbing their hands together about a future transfer. Ljubicic arrived on loan from Hajduk Split, but LASK reserved a buy-out option of just 2.4 million euros.

"Several Austrian and foreign clubs had him on their radars but we managed to convince him to come," LASK sporting director Radovan Vujanovic boasted when discussing the player.

Scorer on his league debut with Hajduk Split

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

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

"It's an incredible feeling. I've dreamed all my life of making my debut for Hajduk," Ljubicic stated after the game.

Former Sevilla player Ivica Mornar was also delighted with Ljubicic's debut stating the player was ready for a starting 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," Mornar said.

Ljubicic is good at everything

His coach Dietmar Kuhbauer was quick to praise his latest acquisition, delighted that the player has hit the ground running and is seeking to constantly better his game.

"He's scored six league goals and I wouldn't mind if he stayed that way," Kuhbauer said.

"After every training session he asks me where he can improve. He has a great predisposition."

Ljubicic wants to improve

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

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

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

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