Erling Haaland has been compared to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of goal scoring after scoring twice on his comeback from injury in a 4-1 win at Southampton on Saturday.
According to City boss Pep Guardiola, Haaland has an incredible mindset and is very professional.
Guardiola also admitted that Haaland is often only disappointed for a few minutes after missing an opportunity and then immediately regains focus and moves on to the next situation.
“Haaland is under the same pressure as Messi and Ronaldo. When you don’t score in two or three games, people wonder.” Guardiola said
City faced numerous challenges before scoring its first goal in the 45th minute. Haaland ran to get a position from Kevin de Bruyne’s cross on the left, and then headed in to take down goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu.
Haaland’s second goal was even more impressive, coming from City’s quick counter-attack. In the 68th minute, from Jack Grealish’s slight cross, the Norwegian striker leaned the ball with his left foot to the far corner.
According to Guardiola, Haaland would be inspired to keep working towards better by the achievements and dedication of Messi and Ronaldo.
“Haaland knows Messi and Ronaldo dominated for two decades, not just a year or two, but two decades, scoring goals, breaking records, winning trophies and doing everything.” Guardiola said.
“Messi and Ronaldo make football better. Haaland is only 22 years old, has come to the toughest tournament in the world and has a remarkable track record.” he added.
Haaland is expected to set a record of 34 goals in a season in the Premier League, held by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole when the league has a total of 42 games.
The record for the most goals scored in a season over 38 matches belongs to Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian star scored 32 goals in the 2017-2018 season.
