Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe – it is question that will be asked probably for the next 10 years, and Diego Simeone was asked for his thoughts on the debate.
The Atletico Madrid manager came up against the Manchester City star last week as the teams met in South Korea.
Haaland started the game up top with Julian Alvarez.
Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish were supporting, with Rodri at holding midfield.
City ended up losing the game 2-1, and it was just one of those things.
The result will hopefully prompt a bit of a re-focus ahead of the new season.
City fans are hoping Haaland can find his goalscoring mojo in time for 2023/24, having ‘only’ scored a couple of goals against Yokohama F.Marinos in pre-season.
It will take a huge effort from the Norwegian to get near the 52 goals he got last season.
Diego Simeone gives take on Haaland vs Mbappe debate – and says Man City ace is ‘perfection’
Simeone was asked for this thoughts on the Haaland vs Mbappe debate, now that he has seen the Norwegian up close.
While the Argentine tactician obviously thinks both are amazing, he stopped short of providing a definitive answer. But he did rather sing Haaland’s praises.
He said (as quoted by AS): “Nothing to see, they are different. Haaland is an animal of the goal, he is perfection in that 9 that lives in front of goal.
“City’s growth is to recover what his game demanded. Haaland had to arrive to confirm the Champions League. Sometimes it’s not enough just to play well.”
Haaland is currently better than Mbappe
Haaland and Mbappe are two amazing footballers and definitely the heirs to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Simeone was perhaps never likely to say definitely who he thinks is actually better.
But the fact he talked more about the £51 million City striker may indicate his preference.
It’s very possible that over time, Haaland and Mbappe will constantly change people’s opinions.
They are very different players, but both very close in terms of ability. Perhaps closer in terms of quality than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were.
It is certainly going to be a fascinating rivalry to watch play out. right now though, it’s hard to argue against Haaland being superior.
And hopefully, Haaland will have his very best years at the Etihad.
