Erling Haaland emerged as one of the biggest topics of conversation from Manchester City’s 5-0 annihilation of Sparta Prague on Wednesday.
Haaland’s acrobatic first goal is the primary reason why he has given the world another reason to sing his praises over his unique brilliance.
Steve McManaman hailed Haaland’s goal against Sparta Prague as “special” and stressed that not many can pull off such a tremendous strike.
Phil Foden admitted he would be unable to replicate Haaland’s goal in the aftermath of City’s latest victory.
Matheus Nunes was full of praise for Haaland’s goal against Sparta Prague as well and revealed that it was “amazing” to witness in the flesh.
While Pep Guardiola likened Haaland to Zlatan Ibrahimovic due to being exceptionally acrobatic; a gift that helps him produce moments of magic like he did at the Etihad Stadium.
Erling Haaland scores 20 Champions League goals for Man City faster than Cristiano Ronaldo for Real Madrid
Previously, Ibrahimovic has praised Haaland, who he feels is a “very intelligent” player.
Haaland’s 44th Champions League goal meant he overtook Neymar’s tally in the competition.
As per Opta Analyst, Haaland outdid Cristiano Ronaldo by reaching 20 Champions League goals (23 games) for one club in Manchester City faster than the latter did for Real Madrid (26 matches).
The Norwegian, who managed to score his 21st goal for City after bagging a brace became the second-fastest player in Champions League history to score 20 for one club behind only Ruud van Nistelrooy — who achieved the feat in 20 games for Manchester United.
| FASTEST PLAYERS TO SCORE 20 UCL GOALS FOR ONE CLUB | ||
| PLAYER | GAMES | CLUB |
| RUUD VAN NISTELROOY | 20 | MANCHESTER UNITED |
| ERLING HAALAND | 23 | MANCHESTER CITY |
| HARRY KANE | 24 | TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR |
| NEYMAR | 25 | PSG |
| CRISTIANO RONALDO | 26 | REAL MADRID |
| MARIO GOMEZ | 26 | BAYERN MUNICH |
| ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI | 28 | BAYERN MUNICH |
| ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC | 30 | PSG |
| RIVALDO | 32 | BARCELONA |
| SERGIO AGUERO AND KYLIAN MBAPPE | 24 | MANCHESTER CITY AND PSG |
Ronaldo is widely regarded as the greatest player to ever step foot in the Champions League — scoring the most-ever goals (141), providing the most assists (42) and winning the competition four times.
It would take a truly special player to surpass the Real Madrid great’s legacy in Europe.
But Haaland is unknowingly trying his best to do so.
Ronaldo said Haaland can win the Ballon d’Or in the future
In September, Ronaldo predicted Haaland’s Ballon d’Or prospects by claiming that he could win the award one day.
“He [Kylian Mbappe] can be the next Golden Ball [Ballon d’Or winner] for the next years, him, probably [Erling] Haaland, [Jude] Bellingham, Lamine [Yamal], I think it’s this new generation, they have a lot of potential.”
Pep Guardiola compared Haaland to Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in terms of being able to rack up one of a kind goal contributions.
Ian Wright sees Ronaldo in Haaland due to how spectacular a professional he is.
Ally McCoist claimed Haaland has the same “drive” as Ronaldo has had from the start of his career.
The Manchester City striker could be honoured to have overtaken the Portuguese legend’s feat and he will be focused on hitting such outrageous numbers in the future.
