Erling Haaland is the world’s best striker, say City fans

The semi-finals of the Champions League kick off this week and football fans have two truly mouth-watering ties to look forward to. On Tuesday, Manchester City travel to reigning European champions Real Madrid in a bid to get revenge for last year’s devastating defeat.

AS spoke to Manchester City fans in Madrid ahead of the game and there was only one name on everyone’s lips: Erling Braut Haaland.

After the disappointment of last season there is now a real confidence that the Norwegian sensation is the man to finally bring the Champions League trophy to the blue half of Manchester.

City can call upon ‘The Viking’

City fan George has followed the team for 50 years and believes that the introduction of Haaland has taken a top team to the next level.

“Haaland’s presence is massive,” he says. “This year we’re a lot stronger, a lot better mentally and we know how to close the games out. But Haaland is the big difference.”

Fellow lifelong City supporter Andy agrees: “Haaland, all he needs is one shot, one goal, that’s the difference from last year.”

Andy has been a season ticket holder at Manchester City for the past 45 years. Even after nearly half a century supporting the club, he tells AS that this year’s team is something special.

“I think as a squad and a team, it’s probably the best team we’ve had in a long time, every position is covered,” he says.

“This season [Jack Grealish] is really performing too so we can attack down both wings and ‘The Viking’ is there to put it in the back of the net.”

Norwegian fan backs Haaland to break more records

Also in Madrid ahead of the semi-final first leg is Geir, a Norwegian who is eager to see how City’s number nine can do on the big stage.

“He is the world’s best striker right now,” Geir says.” No doubt about that. If he’s in the mood today he’s going to score three goals, sorry Madrid!

“He’s a big change [for Manchester City]. He’s scored 51 goals already this year, he’s amazing. He comes from a tiny village of about 3,000 people, it’s insane.

Haaland is currently on 51 goals in his debut season in Madrid. If City reach the final of the Champions League, Guardiola’s side will have another eight fixtures to play. So can he beat the English football record of 63 goals in a single season? Geir certainly isn’t ruling it out.

“He will score another 12 or 13 I think,” Geir laughs. “Look at him, he’s crazy!