Haaland can rival Ronaldo, Messi goal records – Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has tipped striker Erling Haaland to match Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s goal records. Haaland scored his 10th hat trick for the Cityzens in team’s 4-1 win against Ipswich Town at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Haaland has produced unbelievable numbers for Manchester City, scoring 27 goals and providing five assists in 31 matches of the previous season and thus played a key role in taking the team to glory. The lanky forward scored 36 goals and provided eight assists in 35 matches of the 2022-23 season. 

Furthermore, he scored 12 goals in 11 matches of the UEFA Champions League 2022-23 and helped City win their maiden title. Overall Haaland has scored 91 goals in 100 matches for the Cityzens.

The Norwegian forward has scored 94 goals in 101 games in all competitions since his move from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.

“He did it in Salzburg and in Germany; the numbers are ridiculous,” Guardiola said.

“He can compete in terms of goals with Cristiano and Messi. The numbers are unbelievable at his age. He’s an incredible threat, hopefully he can be here for many years.”

Guardiola continued to shower praise on Haaland, stating he has come up fresh for the new season after Norway failed to qualify for Euro 2024.

“I said a few weeks ago, he feels better than previous seasons,” Guardiola said.

“This season, no Euros, relax and arrive well. We talked a bit in the States [on the preseason tour] because I didn’t like some things and he changed. Of course, he cannot play all the games, we know how important his numbers are.”

Haaland has been absolutely brilliant for Manchester City and he will look to keep up the good show in the season. City will next face West Ham at the London Stadium on Saturday.