Pep: Haaland influence on level of Messi, Ronaldo
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said Erling Haaland has reached the elite goalscoring level of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo after the Norwegian striker scored twice in City’s 3–1 Premier League victory over Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Haaland’s brace took his league tally to 11 goals this season, five clear at the top of the Golden Boot standings, and brought him within two goals of reaching 100 in the Premier League for City. His prolific start has helped lift Guardiola’s side into second place, six points behind leaders Arsenal.
“Erling was decisive again,” Guardiola told reporters. “It’s a little like when you play with Messi or Cristiano — the influence is so big. You see the numbers of that guy? Oh my God, yes, he’s at their level in terms of goals.”
Guardiola, who coached Messi at Barcelona, said the difference remains in longevity but praised Haaland’s relentless mindset. “Cristiano and Messi have been doing it for 15 years. You see Messi still scoring in MLS, Cristiano in Saudi. But Erling is at that level, and without him, it would be tough,” he said.
The City boss described Haaland as “incredibly coachable” and highlighted his single-minded approach to finishing. “The way he shoots, the ball goes low, quick, with intention — it’s like, ‘I’m going to score,’” Guardiola said. “He’s down to earth, he listens, he lives for goals.”
Haaland, 24, has now scored 98 goals in 107 matches for Manchester City since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2022. He is on pace to become the fastest player to reach 100 Premier League goals, surpassing Alan Shearer’s record of 124 matches.
City host Liverpool next Sunday in a fixture that could shape the title race, with Guardiola acknowledging Arsenal’s current form but confident his side is improving. “Hopefully Arsenal can concede one goal one day,” he joked. “But it’s just ten games, still 28 to play. Many things will happen, and I feel the team is getting better and better.”
Guardiola also criticized referee Anthony Taylor’s officiating after Bournemouth’s goal, saying he has become used to contentious decisions during his time in England. “I’ve been here a decade, and we know each other well,” Guardiola said. “I just asked him afterward if it was a foul or not — that’s all.”
Haaland’s performance reaffirmed his status as City’s most vital attacking force, and Guardiola’s comparison with two of football’s greatest players underscored the scale of the Norwegian’s impact since arriving in Manchester.