Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes Erling Haaland can only be compared to a select few strikers in world football, praising the Norwegian’s relentless goalscoring record and his status among the modern game’s elite.
Haaland’s Record-Breaking Impact
Since joining Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, Haaland has smashed a host of records, most recently surpassing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the Premier League’s all-time top Norwegian goalscorer. His contributions have been vital to City’s domestic dominance and their long-awaited Champions League triumph.
The 24-year-old’s double in City’s recent 5–1 win over Burnley once again showcased his ability to change the course of games, cementing his reputation as the focal point of Guardiola’s attack.
Guardiola’s Comparisons
Speaking after the Burnley victory, Guardiola was asked which players could be realistically compared to Haaland at this stage in his career.
“[Lionel] Messi, Cristiano [Ronaldo], right? In terms of goals, yeah [he should be compared to them],” Guardiola said. “At his age, maybe the numbers are better, but yeah, in terms of goals; him, Harry Kane, [Robert] Lewandowski, maybe, you know, these kind of guys.
“But it’s two months, [and] Messi and Cristiano have been doing [it for] 15, 20 years, every season. But Erling is still young, and yeah, he’s at that level. In terms of goals, he’s at that level.”
Speculation and Future
Guardiola’s comments come amid fresh speculation linking Haaland with Real Madrid and Barcelona, although City supporters remain focused on the present. Haaland already ranks among the club’s all-time top scorers and continues to break records at an astonishing rate.
For Guardiola, comparisons with the likes of Messi, Ronaldo, Kane, and Lewandowski underline Haaland’s potential to not only dominate this generation but also to carry football’s goalscoring legacy into the future.
FAQs
- Which strikers did Pep Guardiola compare Haaland to?
Guardiola mentioned Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski, while also referencing Messi and Ronaldo as the long-term benchmarks for goalscoring.
- How many Premier League goals has Haaland scored?
Haaland has scored 93 goals in 103 appearances in the Premier League, already a record for a Norwegian player.
- What trophies has Haaland won at Manchester City?
He has lifted two Premier League titles, the Champions League, and domestic cups since arriving in 2022.
- Is Haaland linked with a move away from City?
Spanish media continue to link him with Real Madrid and Barcelona, but no transfer is imminent.
Conclusion
Pep Guardiola’s latest comments reaffirm Haaland’s place among football’s elite strikers. While Messi and Ronaldo set the benchmark across decades, Haaland’s meteoric rise puts him in the company of Kane and Lewandowski as today’s most clinical forwards. For City fans, the focus remains firmly on what the Norwegian can still achieve in sky blue as he continues to break records and redefine modern goalscoring standards.
