Erling Haaland influence on level of Messi, Ronaldo – Guardiola

Manchester United manager Pep Guardiola reckons Erling Haaland has reached the same level as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as far as goal-scoring ability is concerned. The Norwegian striker scored a brace in the first half in his team’s 3-1 win against Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Haaland has scored 13 goals in the ongoing Premier League season so far, which is the most for any player. The lanky forward has scored seven goals more than the second placed players in the list of the highest goal-scorers this term.

“We played really good of course again, Erling was decisive,” Guardiola said. “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 Spaniard said Haaland is always hungry to score more goals and he ticks the right boxes.

“The way he shoots the ball, right? He shoots the ball, goes down the grass. it’s like, ‘I’m going to score,’ Guardiola said.

“I have said many times, he is incredibly coachable and I am tough with him sometimes.

“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.”

Haaland has been playing at his absolute best and he would look to continue the good show. Manchester City will next take on Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday.