“It’s funny that people are only now comparing him to Messi, Ronaldo” - Shaun Wright-Phillips lavishes praise on 24-year-old Premier League star
Erling Haaland deserves to be compared with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, according to former Manchester City forward Shaun Wright-Phillips. The Norwegian striker has established himself as one of the premier strikers in the world at the Etihad, registering 99 goals from 104 games for the Cityzens.
His form has seen him talked in the same breath as Messi and Ronaldo, the two giants of modern football. The Argentinian has won every trophy on offer with Barcelona and Argentina while the Portuguese has also achieved tremendous success during his career.
Speaking at the Star Sports Press Room, as cited by ANI, Wright-Phillips also praised the Manchester City team for helping Haaland flourish.
"Over the years, people doubted if he could replicate his form in the Premier League, but no one could have predicted he'd achieve what he did in his first year. Even in his second year, despite being injured for part of it, he won the Golden Boot," said Wright-Phillips.
He continued:
"He had a long summer break and came back hungry. But as great as he is, he also has a special team around him creating chances, so it's a credit to them. As a midfielder, you'd keep creating those chances because, more often than not, they're going in."
Wright-Phillips went on to point out that Erling Haaland's record throughout his career so far has been special.
"It's funny that people are only now comparing him to Messi and Ronaldo, but if you look at his goal-scoring record before joining City, it's always been there. The difference is, now he's doing it while winning the Premier League and Champions League," said Wright-Phillips.
He concluded:
"He's always been consistent, whether for his club or country. As long as you keep giving him chances, wherever he is - fingers crossed it's at City - it's hard to imagine him not breaking records."
Recent reports have suggested that Real Madrid and Barcelona are already planning to break the bank for the 24-year-old next summer.
Can Erling Haaland match Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's longevity?
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the football circuit for close to two decades. The two superstars have pushed each other to the limits of their capabilities and few have been able to match their longevity in the game.
The Argentinian is currently with MLS side Inter Miami while the Portuguese plies his trade with Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Both are in the twilight of their careers but are still going strong.
Lionel Messi has registered 840 goals and 375 assists from 1,071 games across competitions in his career so far. Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile has scored 901 times and set up 254 more from 1,238 appearances to date.
If Erling Haaland wants to be spoken in the same breath as the legendary duo, he will have to maintain his momentum for the next decade.