Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke believes Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland is the best striker in the world – but is out to try and successfully contain him, as he did last time the pair met.
City return to Premier League action on Saturday, and are looking to get back to winning ways.
It was back-to-back defeats in the league before the international break against Wolves and Arsenal.
City seriously missed Rodri while he was suspended, but the Spaniard is back now, and fans are hopeful his return will provide the spark that has been missing.
Brighton are sure to provide a stern test for City. Under Roberto De Zerbi they have been superb.
Seagulls defender van Hecke has been looking ahead to the clash, and is determined to stop City number nine Haaland.
Van Hecke out to stop ‘best striker in the world’ Erling Haaland
Van Hecke may be starting for Brighton on Saturday at the Etihad Stadium.
That’s because the last time he faced City, he actually fared pretty well against the Norwegian – something very few have done.
City and Brighton played out a 1-1 draw back in May at the Amex Stadium.
That night, Haaland was kept pretty quiet and van Hecke came in for praise for his performance.
The Dutch youngster is looking for similar success on Saturday, against someone he believes is the very best in his position.
He said (Brighton official): “It’s all about doing it against the best players and I was really happy that I showed I could play against the best striker in the world and do well. I was buzzing after that game.
“I just kept telling myself (last time) to keep close to him and do not switch off for one moment. That’s what I managed to do and we came out of the game with a draw which of course was so important for us [securing a Europa League spot].”
This opinion is not shared by former City defender Richard Dunne, who believes Harry Kane is actually slightly ahead of Haaland right now.
Haaland will be raring to go against Brighton
It has been a bit of a frustrating period for Haaland in recent weeks.
The goals have dried up slightly, and it has been clear to see by his body language that he’s not been happy.
All strikers go through such spells, even the very best.
Haaland is known for his amazing mentality though, so he will be absolutely raring to go against Brighton in front of a home crowd.
He may well remember the last encounter with van Hecke, and may be looking to use that as additional motivation.
