Kieran Gibbs believes Erling Haaland is quite similar as a player to Didier Drogba.
After Manchester City’s 4-1 demolition job of Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium last season, Jamie Carragher also compared him to the former Marseille striker.
Considering how unique a number nine Haaland is, it is a difficult task to liken his game to any goalscorer from the past, even if they have similar characteristics to him as Drogba did.
Kieran Gibbs says Erling Haaland is similar to Didier Drogba
The Leeds-born hitman perhaps is not as technically secure as the Chelsea legend was and in terms of his hold-up play, he still has a way to go to match the latter.
The retired forward, however, was not as much of a natural goalscorer as the Manchester City number nine has been from day one.
When quizzed about which striker from the past Erling Haaland reminds him of, Kieran Gibbs named Didier Drogba.
“[Didier] Drogba”, he said [via ESPN FC’s YouTube channel].
“Yeah. I would say Drogba. From who I played against.”
Erling Haaland put in a performance like the Chelsea legend against Luton Town
One reason why Didier Drogba popped up in Kieran Gibbs’ mind is due to witnessing the Erling Haaland masterclass against Luton Town.
The Norwegian frontman put in a display similar to what Drogba often did on Tuesday night.
Putting his five goals to one side, the way in which Erling Haaland pinned Tedem Mengi back before either perfectly playing it to one of his teammates or running in behind him was identical to how Didier Drogba used to when centre-backs were touch-tight on him.
What was striking about Haaland’s display was how tidy a majority of his actions were, be it his first touch or his passing, as was the case with the African Cup of Nations winner.
Perhaps Erling Haaland should be advised to study Didier Drogba’s game as if he manages to put on such all-encompassing showings regularly, defenders across Europe might as well not even try to stop him.
