Brentford boss Thomas Frank has claimed that Kristoffer Ajer is “as quick” as Manchester City speedster Erling Haaland.
On several occasions in his career, Haaland has showcased his searing pace to burst past defenders and put the ball in the back of the net.
In all fairness, such was not the case against Brentford, as Kristoffer Ajer slipped and as a result, he had no chance of keeping pace with the Manchester City hitman before he slotted the ball past Mark Flekken.
Thomas Frank says Kristoffer Ajer is “as quick” as Erling Haaland
But if both players were running at top speed, the question is whether the former Celtic centre-back would have been able to stop the Norwegian international in his tracks.
It is worth claiming that while some may presume that Haaland’s long strides may give him an advantage, being 6’3” is almost 6’5” as well.
Thomas Frank, who has worked with Kristoffer Ajer since 2021, when he was signed by Brentford for £13.5 million (Sky Sports) believes he is as fast as Erling Haaland.
“Second half, I thought we had nothing [in terms of conceding chances] before the goal, which is clearly a very unlucky situation and a margin that didn’t go our way, it’s a clear slip. If he doesn’t slip, Kristoffer [Ajer], I’m convinced it’s never going to be a goal”, he said [via BeanymanSports2].
“[Erling] Haaland is quick but Kristoffer is as quick. So, that would’ve never been a goal.”
Erling Haaland will take the goal and run
Regardless of whether Thomas Frank is correct about Kristoffer Ajer being as fast as Erling Haaland, the Norwegian striker would perhaps not be bothered in the slightest.
At the end of the day, City were desperate to collect three points and they did so successfully.
In addition, after all the recent question marks surrounding the 23-year-old’s finishing, a burden must have been lifted off his shoulders after seeing the ball ripple the net.
Erling Haaland registered his 17th Premier League goal of the campaign as well, as he sits two goals clear at the top of the goalscoring charts, which would have likely put a smile on his face as well.
Fortune favours the brave and Manchester City as well as their star striker exemplified that against Brentford.
