Pep Guardiola: Haaland Is on Messi, Ronaldo Level With Scoring Prowess

Manchester City's Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal from a penalty kick during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, on Oct. 29, 2023. Dave Thompson/AP Photo

Erling Haaland had much of the summer to rest because his native Norway did not qualify for the Euro 2024.

As a result, he played with renewed energy in Manchester City’s Premier League opener against Chelsea. Haaland scored in the 18th minute and was dangerous throughout the game in the 2–0 victory on Saturday.

It was Haaland’s 91st goal in his 100th EPL appearance. Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola compared Haaland’s goal-scoring prowess to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and the best is still to come for the 24-year-old.

“He has the numbers for Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who controlled the last decade, 15 years, absolutely everything,” Guardiola told the press after Manchester City beat Chelsea.

“I had a feeling that he feels better than last season at this stage. After travel last season, he felt a bit [so-so] or felt he was tired,” he continued.

“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 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.”

Haaland joined Manchester City in the summer of 2022 and helped the club win the Premier League title in his debut season. He also set the record for most goals scored in a single Premier League season with 36 and was named Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year, becoming the first player to win both awards in the same year.

Last season, Haaland, who also plays for the Norway National Team, scored 36 goals and six assists in 41 games across all competitions and is already in fine form. He is the fastest player to score 50 Premier League goals in 48 games, beating Andy Cole by 17 games.

This year, Haaland wants to help his teammates score more goals as he draws the attention of defenders.

At 6-foot-4 and 194 pounds, Haaland is an imposing player who often towers over his opponents.

“I want to get more involved; that’s what Pep wants,’ Haaland said after the Chelsea match. “But in games like this, do I need to be that more involved? That’s the million-dollar question.

“I want to get more assists and become a better player. I knew exactly what to do; I think it was a really good goal,” he told reporters.

“The best players are the best on the easiest things. Touching it with your right and passing with your left. That’s the important thing. Pep [Guardiola] says this to me all the time.”

Manchester City is arguably the most talented club in Europe. In addition to Haaland, the team has Phil Foden and Rodri, who control the midfield. All three players were named to the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Men’s Players’ Player of the Year preseason list.

Manchester City is the favorite team to win the English Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. It would be the second time they accompanied that feat—called the Treble—since 2022–23.

With Haaland, Guardiola is confident that anything is possible. It’s like having another Messi or Ronaldo in the lineup.

However, Haaland is creating his own legacy.

‘[Messi and Ronaldo] controlled the last decade, 15 years, absolutely everything, and in terms of numbers, [Haaland]’s that level,” Guardiola said. “I don’t know [how] he does it, but scoring 100 games, 91 goals is something in the Premier League ... in this country is unbelievable.”