Pep Guardiola compares Erling Haaland to Messi and Ronaldo

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has lavished praise on his Norwegian striker, Erling Haaland, comparing him to the legendary Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Following City’s victory against Chelsea, Guardiola placed the 24-year-old in the same echelon as the two greats of the past two decades.

The Premier League opener was another successful outing for Haaland. The former Dortmund striker skillfully took control of the ball and slotted it past Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez. This goal marked Haaland’s 91st goal in just 100 Premier League games, a staggering record that prompted Guardiola to draw comparisons with Messi and Ronaldo.

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Guardiola expressed his amazement at Haaland’s scoring prowess. “He has the numbers of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who dominated the last decade, 15 years, absolutely everything,” Guardiola said, per Goal. “In terms of numbers, it is that level. So, I don’t know how he does it, but in 100 games, scoring 91 goals in the Premier League, in this country, is unbelievable.”

Guardiola also hinted that Haaland might have an even better season ahead. “I had a feeling that he feels better than last season at this stage. After travel last season, he felt a bit ‘mmm-mmm’ [so-so] or felt he was tired. This season, I think for the Euros unfortunately Norway was not there, there was more rest and yeah, he feels good.”