17-year-old striker Joel Pohjanpalo (HJK) scores hat-trick v Mariehamn in less than 3 minutes

The 2012 Finnish Veikkausliiga season kicked off this weekend and there is no doubt which performance dominated the headlines and is set to propel HJK striker Joel Pohjanpalo to world fame.

HJK were losing 1-0 at home to Mariehamn on Sunday when Pohjanpalo took over, scoring on 71, 72 and 74. His hat-trick, which sealed a 3-1 win, has been recorded at in an incredible 2 minutes and 42 seconds.

Besides his age and the incredible speed of the triple, it should also be noted that Pohjanpalo claimed a perfect hat-trick: header, left foot and finally right foot.

The hat-trick has already been recognised as the quickest in Finnish Veikkausliiga history but there have been faster trebles in world football.

Pohjanpalo has been on the radar of some of Europe’s biggest clubs for some time after making his debut last October. He has now notched seven goals in 10 games for HJK since he was promoted from the 3rd tier reserve team where he had scored 33 goals last season.

The 17-year-old striker spent a week on trial at Liverpool in March, Pohjanpalo has previously also spent time at Monaco.

Footage of Joel Pohjanpalo’s amazing hat-trick is here.