Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said that Erling Haaland has reached the same level as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo with his goal-scoring. He recently had his say after the striker helped City to a 3-1 win against Bournemouth with a double at the Etihad.
Speaking after the game, Pep revealed that Haaland’s determination to score and his willingness to learn are key qualities that have helped him stand out this season.
According to him, the only difference is whether Erling can rival the incredible longevity Ronaldo and Messi have maintained over the years.
Admitting that the forward’s influence is unquestionable for City, Pep stated that Haaland being very coachable makes working with him easy.
“We played really good of course again, Erling was decisive. It’s a little like when you play with Messi or Cristiano, you know? The influence is so big.
Has he reached that level? You see the numbers of that guy? Oh my God, yeah, of course he’s at their levels of the numbers from Cristiano and Messi.
The difference of Cristiano and Messi, they have been doing it for 15 years. You see Messi still in MLS, he scores two or three goals every day. Cristiano and Saudi are the same.
But he’s at that level and without him, it would be tough.
The way he shoots the ball, right? He shoots the ball, goes down the grass. it’s like, ‘I’m going to score.’
I have said many times, he is incredibly coachable and I am tough with him sometimes,” he said.
Pep further noted that the Norwegian international lives for the goals, stressing that he expects him to score many more this season.
He, however, concluded by saying that with 28 matches left to play, the season can still take many turns.
“I always try to be open minded with him and there are players who say, ‘what are you talking about?’ He is completely down to earth, he wants to do it and he lives for the goals.
Hopefully Arsenal can concede one goal one day.
I had the feeling since the World Cup that we were in that moment. But it’s just ten games, still 28 to play, many things are going to happen and feel that the team is getting better and better,” he added.
