Pep Guardiola would have been overjoyed to witness Erling Haaland hand Manchester City a two-goal lead with a tremendous acrobatic finish in their eventual 5-0 drubbing of Sparta Prague.
Matheus Nunes was “speechless” after Haaland’s screamer against Sparta Prague in his own words and recounted his incredible goal against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League two years ago.
Steve Howey was amazed by Haaland’s first goal against Sparta Prague due to how high he can get his legs up in the air time and again.
Haaland overtook Neymar’s goal tally in the Champions League (44) with his second strike of the night as he slammed the ball to extend City’s lead to four goals at the time.
The Manchester City striker’s freakish athleticism was on full display in his latest European exploits as his opening goal could already be the best that has been scored in the competition this season.
Haaland will be delighted with his latest performance on Wednesday night.
Guardiola says Haaland and Ibrahimovic score acrobatic goals in a “similar” way after Man City vs Sparta Prague
The 24-year-old’s strike will live long in the memory of City supporters across the world.
The Norwegian international was eventually replaced by Nico O’Reilly and on the receiving end of a standing ovation from the Etihad Stadium.
When quizzed about whether Haaland and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are similar players, Pep Guardiola agreed due to how they both can score acrobatic goals at will.
The Catalan tactician said via BeanymanSports: “Yeah, his agility to do it [score such goals] is quite similar.”
The Manchester City boss famously coached the Swedish sensation during their time at Barcelona.
Pep Guardiola also reacted to Haaland’s goal while speaking to TNT Sports: “Look at that! It’s unbelievable! With his stature, he’s so tall, he’s so flexible, look at him…I like it [his expression during his celebration]. He has this sense of humour. Unbelievable, unbelievable.”
Joleon Lescott compared Haaland to Zlatan Ibrahimovic as well due to his ability to execute finishes like he did for his remarkable goal against Sparta Prague.
Ibrahimovic hailed Haaland as “very intelligent” and claimed that he has a “killer instinct” to keep trying to score more goals even after he bags a hat-trick.
Erling Haaland named Zlatan Ibrahimovic as his “favourite player” growing up
In an interview with Amazon Prime Video Sport, Haaland revealed he used to idolise Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“My favourite player growing up? I think I have to say Zlatan.”
Much like the former AC Milan striker, Haaland is also extremely tall, strong and athletic.
Perhaps due to being inspired by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the two-time Premier League winner also wished to score the acrobatic goals he was associated with throughout his illustrious career.
Haaland seems to define logic like Ibrahimovic did during his playing days.
Since the start of his career, the Leeds-born marksman has racked up quite a catalogue of goals similar to his stunner against Sparta Prague.
