‘He Has The Numbers of Messi and Ronaldo…Unbelievable’: Pep Guardiola Lauds Manchester

Erling Haaland’s generational talent is being converted into results, as the Norwegian continues to dazzle with his goalscoring exploits. His manager Pep Guardiola has been taking notice of the same, propping him up to the levels of some of the greatest to ever play: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Haaland, who was making his 100th appearance for Manchester City last night against Chelsea in club’s season opener, was back in the goals in no time, 18 minutes to be precise, to help his side break the deadlock in the encounter.

Guardiola was noticeably ecstatic to see his striker get going, and the Spaniard was full of praise for the Norwegian, comparing him to the likes of Messi and Ronaldo, for his impeccable consistency.

“He has the numbers for Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who controlled the last decade, 15 years, absolutely everything. In terms of numbers, it is that level. So, I don’t know how he does it, but in 100 games scoring 91 goals is something in the Premier League, in this country, is unbelievable,” stated Guardiola after his side’s 2-0 win over the Blues.

“I had a feeling that he feels better than last season at this stage. After travel last season, he felt a bit ‘mmm-mmm’ [so-so] or felt he was tired. This season, I think for the Euros unfortunately Norway was not there, there was more rest and yeah, he feels good.

“The goal was magnificent. His contribution is in many things. He had two or three chances and always I had the feeling there is a gap to improve as a football player.”

The surgical striker took on a through ball from Jeremy Doku into the box, and beat defenders Colwill and Cucurella both to ding it past keeper Robert Sanchez in the 18th minute to score his 91st goal for City in his 100th appearance for them.

City would in fact go on to triumph ultimately as well, as the defending champions would outclass the Blues, and seal a 2-0 win credit to another wonder of a curler from former Chelsea man Mateo Kovacic in the 84th minute.