Manchester, November 3: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has heaped high praise on his star striker Erling Haaland, comparing the Norwegian’s goalscoring reliability to that of football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The remarks came after Manchester City’s 3-1 victory over Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, a game in which Haaland netted a brilliant brace, continuing his blistering start to the Premier League season.
Haaland’s Record-Breaking Form Continues
With his double against Bournemouth, Haaland extended his lead at the top of the Premier League Golden Boot race, taking his tally to 11 goals this season — five ahead of his nearest competitors, each on six.
Since joining Manchester City in 2022, Haaland has maintained a staggering scoring rate and is now just two league goals away from reaching 100 for the club across competitions. His consistency has been a defining factor in City’s rise to second place in the Premier League table, just behind Arsenal.
Guardiola: “He’s as Reliable as Messi and Ronaldo”
Speaking after the match, Guardiola couldn’t hide his admiration for the 24-year-old’s influence on the pitch.
“We played really good again, of course, but 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 his numbers? Oh my God — of course, he’s at the same level in terms of numbers as Cristiano and Messi.”
Guardiola, who managed Lionel Messi at Barcelona, said Haaland’s statistical output puts him in the same conversation as football’s greatest goal machines — though he acknowledged that Messi and Ronaldo’s longevity remains unmatched.
“The difference is that Messi and Cristiano have been doing it for 15 years. You see Messi in MLS — he still scores two or three goals every game. Cristiano in Saudi Arabia is the same. But in terms of goalscoring impact, Haaland is right there,” Guardiola added.
“He Lives for Goals” — Guardiola on Haaland’s Mentality
The City boss also credited Haaland’s relentless mentality, humility, and eagerness to improve as key factors behind his rapid success.
“The way he shoots the ball — it just goes low, fast, and powerful. He’s got that mentality of ‘I’m going to score,’” Guardiola said.
“He’s incredibly coachable. I’m tough with him sometimes, but he listens. He’s down to earth, he wants to improve, and he lives for goals.”
Guardiola’s comments highlight not only Haaland’s technical brilliance but also his mindset — a blend of hunger and discipline that separates world-class finishers from the rest.
City’s Title Race Intensifies
Manchester City will now prepare for a crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool at the Etihad next Sunday — a fixture that could shape the title race alongside current leaders Arsenal.
With Haaland in unstoppable form, Guardiola’s side will aim to continue their pursuit of domestic and European glory, as the striker’s goal tally and record-breaking pace continue to redefine the Premier League’s scoring standards.
