“Nobody is like him,” Pep Guardiola puts out Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi comparisons
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola responded to comparisons between club forward Erling Haaland and ex-Barcelona skipper Lionel Messi.
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Man City boss Pep Guardiola expressed his opinion on comparisons between Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi. (via Sky Sports)
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola drew comparison between ex-Barcelona forward Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland, claiming they have similar numbers. The Spaniard however, shared his belief that no player can match the levels of the Argentine World Cup winner.
Erling Haaland most recently committed his future to Manchester City, signing a new nine-and-half-year contract at the club. The 24-year-old’s new deal runs until 2034, and makes him the highest earner in the EPL. Haaland has scored 111 times in 126 appearances for City, and has won a UCL, two EPL, a FIFA Club World Cup title and the EPL Player of the Year (2022-23) award in the process.
The Norwegian forward also clinched up the European Golden Shoe in his debut season at Man City, an award which Lionel Messi has won a record six times. Haaland’s goal-scoring exploits have often been likened to the former Barcelona skipper, who scored a staggering 672 goals for the Catalan giants. The 37-year-old Argentine legend once played under current Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
Pep Guardiola says there is no other player like Lionel Messi 💫 pic.twitter.com/jA8jA6JpXT
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 17, 2025
Speaking on comparisons between the two, Guardiola shared his opinion that the Norwegian forward is similar to Messi in terms of goal-scoring instincts. However, he added that the two are starkly different players, with Lionel Messi being an attacking playmaker and Haaland being a number nine. He moreover, claimed that no player can emulate the Argentinian star, who has had a remarkable footballing career.
Nobody is like Messi. He’s a different type of player. Leo can play in different positions… Erling is a different type of player, everybody knows it. But in terms of numbers, scoring goals, they are similar.
Pep Guardiola on Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi (H/T PremierLeague.com)
Interestingly, Pep Guardiola also claimed that only Portuguese star and former Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been able to reach close to Messi’s achievements. Meanwhile, he also praised Haaland for signing a new long-term deal, symbolizing his trust in the club.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola regains trust in Phil Foden, following recent surge in form
Pep Guardiola’s early season concerns regarding Manchester CIty winger Phil Foden have seemingly gone away, following the 24-year-old’s recent goal-scoring form. The Englishman has scored three goals and provided an assist in his last three matches for Man City.
Awarded the PFA Player of the Year last season, Foden has endured a downfall, recording just ten goal contributions in a dismal season for Man City this term. However, his recent display against Brentford led to Man City boss Pep Guardiola remarking that he is no more concerned about the 24-year-old’s form. He added that Foden’s natural talent will allow him to make a strong comeback.
In the first part of the year, I was a little concerned, and he was a bit more down. But sometimes you need to breathe and come back. His natural talent will do the rest.
Pep Guardiola on Phil Foden (H/T Bein Sports)
Manchester City will be depending on Phil Foden and Erling Haaland’s goal-scoring form in their upcoming matches. They next face Ipswich Town in the Premier League, followed by a crucial UCL encounter against PSG.
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Siddhartha Roy
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