Pundit heaps praise on Manchester City star, says he is similar to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in one key area
Pundit Perry Groves has compared Manchester City striker Erling Haaland to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo after his goal against Chelsea in the Premier League. The Norwegian extended his incredible goal-scoring record for the Cityzens in their opening day 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge.
In terms of goal-scoring achievements, the duo of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo remain the gold standard in modern football. With a combined goal tally of nearly 2,000 goals and 13 Ballons d'Or between them, comparison to the duo is the highest praise a player can receive.
Still only 24, Erling Haaland has scored at such a fascinating rate that Groves has compared his goal-scoring numbers with those of Lionel Messi and Ronaldo. On an episode of Premier League All Access, Groves said (via Manchester City News):
“Frightening. His numbers are up there with [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo. And to be fair, La Liga isn’t as competitive as the Premier League. I didn’t think anybody would get anywhere near a goal a game in the Premier League. I know this is like all games, but even in the Premier League, he’s virtually a goal a game."
“And I just love the fact as well that he keeps stuff in his head, because he said obviously he had the problem with Cucurella, with the song, whatever, and he brushed him off, and his finish was brilliant."
The pundit also praised Haaland for his arrogance, referring to him as a "phenomenon". He added:
“The little dink as [Robert] Sanchez came out over him was top quality. And he said that he remembered that Sanchez pulled off a worldy from him last season, and he thought, I’ve got to get one past him."
“So he’s got all these little reference points, and I love the fact that he’s got this impish grin on him. Do you know what I mean? Where he knows how brilliant he is, and he’s arrogant on the pitch, but not off it. Do you know what I mean? So yeah, he’s a phenomenon.”
Erling Haaland joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 and has already won the Premier League twice, winning the Golden Boot each time. He also helped Pep Guardiola's side win the treble in his debut season at the Etihad Stadium.
Haaland clocked 100 competitive appearances for Manchester City against Chelsea at the weekend. The Norwegian striker has a remarkable 91 goals and 14 assists in that time.
Manchester City keen on reunion with Ilkay Gundogan - Reports
Manchester City are working on a deal that will see veteran midfielder Ilkay Gundogan return to the Etihad Stadium from Barcelona, as per Fabrizio Romano. The Cityzens are interested in signing the German midfielder as a free agent this summer.
Barcelona have informed Gundogan that they intend to terminate his contract and will not stand in the way of a free transfer from their club. The agent of the 33-year-old midfielder is in the UK for talks with the Cityzens over his client's return.
Gundogan was the Manchester City captain in 2023 when he left the club as a free agent to join Barcelona. One year and 51 appearances later, the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder is set for a return to his old stomping ground after Pep Guardiola approved of the move.