02 May 2023 , 21:30
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Erling Haaland has the same mentality and hunger for goals as Lionel Messi, according to Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola managed Messi at Barcelona and said Haaland, who has scored 50 goals in his debut season with City, shares traits with arguably the greatest player of all time. Messi scored 50-plus goals on six occasions in a nine-year spell at Barca, including 73 in the 2011-12 season, Guardiola's last season at the Nou Camp.
And Guardiola said towering striker Haaland reminds him of the diminutive Messi in terms of his mindset and desire, despite their contrasting physiques. Asked about Haaland's similarities to Messi, Guardiola said: “In terms of goals and mentality, yeah.
“But Messi has done it every season in the last 10 to 15 years. But Erling, since he started at Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund, has got to the same level in terms of goals. It’s almost every game that he scores a goal. One or two every game, he has the chance to do it.
“But Messi is the most complete player I have seen in terms of vision, dribbles, passes, competitiveness, in many things that are difficult. Hopefully, Erling can be close to being like Leo - that will be great for us and him.”
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Haaland has 34 Premier League goals this season, matching the record held by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole, and needs one more to claim it outright.
That record-breaking goal could come tonight against West Ham, with Guardiola claiming Haaland's remarkable goal haul has come as no surprise to the player himself.
Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi worked together at Barcelona (AFP via Getty Images)“I know him a bit and he's so competitive and positive in his mindset, that’s why," said Guardiola. He has this incredible self-confidence. It’s not arrogance, it’s self-confidence to say 'I'm going to score'.
“To arrive in his first season, score 50 already and equal the record of two legends in Andy Cole and Alan Shearer - that’s big. We have the feeling every game he'll score a goal and that helps a lot, but it’s not just about that.
“He gives us many things - he's involved in pressing, defensive work, he’s involved in long balls and before we didn’t have that.”
As well as his goals, Haaland has seven assists in the Premier League this season, with only five players having registered more.
Guardiola said: “ I think he has a good sense for the pass. His pass for the first goal against Arsenal was exceptional. His first control, touch and then he passed the ball four metres in front of Kevin De Bruyne, which helped, rather than straight to feet.
“I think his first control he can improve and I have the feeling, when you talk with him one-on-one, that he's open-minded. He says, 'Yeah, I can do it better' and that’s so positive for his career, his life, for Manchester City, but especially for him.”