PREMIER LEAGUE
Pep Guardiola makes Messi and Ronaldo comparison for Erling Haaland
The Manchester City boss put his striker in the illustrious company of two of the greatest players of all time.
Manchester City got their Premier League title defence off to a winning start, beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in their 2024/25 opener.
The reigning champions picked up a 2-0 victory on Sunday, with a first half goal from Erling Haaland setting them on their way. The Norwegian has finished with the Golden Boot in each of his two previous seasons in the Premier League and started the new campaign in the same vein.
Haaland made his 100th appearance for the club on Sunday, recording his 91st goal in the process. Speaking after the game, City boss Pep Guardiola compared the striker’s incredible record to those of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“He has the numbers for Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who controlled the last decade, 15 years, absolutely everything,” Guardiola said. “In terms of numbers, it is that level. So, I don’t know how he does it, but in 100 games scoring 91 goals is something in the Premier League, in this country, is unbelievable.”
Erling Haaland ready for new season
While most of his City teammates were off at the European Championship or Copa América, Haaland and his Norwegian compatriots were watching on from home. Norway’s failure to reach the Euros was a disappointment for this talented generation of players but it has afforded Haaland a rare extended break in soccer’s hectic schedule.
Guardiola said of Haaland’s status: “I had a feeling that he feels better than last season at this stage. After travel last season, he felt a bit tired. This season, I think for the Euros unfortunately Norway was not there, there was more rest and yeah, he feels good.
“The goal was magnificent,” the City head coach continued. “His contribution is in many things. He had two or three chances and always I had the feeling there is a gap to improve as a football player.”
After a goal-packed, trophy-laden two seasons in Manchester it’s difficult to imagine that Haaland can improve even further. But, still only 24 years old, we could still see development in the City man’s all-round game. It’s a terrifying prospect for defences across the Premier League, and those further afield.