Erling Haaland had a night to remember as he scored a brace for Manchester City as they vanquished Sparta Prague 5-0 in their latest Champions League outing.
Haaland overtook Neymar in the Champions League all-time goalscorers list with as many as 44 goals to his name by the age of 24.
Pep Guardiola compared Haaland to Zlatan Ibrahimovic due to how the striking pair’s “agility” allows them to score acrobatic goals of any difficulty — when discussing his opener on Wednesday night.
Phil Foden described Haaland as a “freak” and admitted he would “pull” his groin if he tried to replicate his Manchester City teammate’s stunning strike against the Czech side.
Matheus Nunes was astonished by Haaland’s goal against Sparta Prague as well and admitted to being “speechless” after the ball flew into the back of the net.
Steve McManaman says “one in a hundred people” can replicate Haaland goal vs Sparta Prague
The Manchester City striker scored one of the most unique goals in his career against Lars Friis’ side.
The Norwegian international added to the visitors’ misery at the Etihad Stadium with a well-taken finish that was assisted by Nunes.
Steve McManaman explained why Haaland’s first goal for Manchester City against Sparta Prague was well and truly exceptional.
The Champions League winner said on TNT Sports: “When people talk about goals in a year and shots from outside the box, most people can score them. But you’re talking about one in a hundred people who can score that goal. That’s why it is so, so special.”
In January, Joleon Lescott likened Haaland to Zlatan Ibrahimovic due to him also possessing the rare athletic ability to be able to pull off goals like his first one against Sparta Prague.
The Leeds-born striker is the joint second-highest goalscorer (three) behind Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane (four) in the Champions League this campaign.
Troy Deeney claimed Haaland is better than Mbappe and he lived up to the billing during his latest masterclass in Europe.
Man City star Matheus Nunes reveals what would happen if he tried replicating Erling Haaland goal
Nunes was asked whether he would ever try to replicate Haaland’s acrobatic strike.
The former Wolves midfielder told BBC Sport Manchester: “I probably would try it but it wouldn’t come out in the same way as he did.”
“I mean, he’s a top goalscorer, a machine when it comes to finishing and I’m very happy for him.”
The fact that fellow players like Nunes and Foden admit they would be unable to score Haaland’s special goal proves Steve McManaman’s initial point.
Plenty of players are able to dribble past several opposition stars and put the ball in the back of the net or dispatch a long-range strike past a goalkeeper.
But Haaland’s first goal is one that only a truly special athlete and as brilliant a finisher would be able to replicate.
