Pep Guardiola compares Erling Haaland to 2 legendary players amid rampant form | Football

Erling Haaland’s incredible form continued with two goals against Bournemouth on Sunday and Pep Guardiola has compared the striker to 2 of the all-time greats.

The Norwegian has been near unstoppable to date this campaign, scoring 13 Premier League goals in 10 appearances and 17 in 13 outings across all competitions.

The 25-year-old has scored seven more goals than some other player within the Premier League after his brace in a 3-1 win over the Cherries.

He has also produced absurd numbers on the international stages, scoring nine goals in three games for Norway for the reason that start of the season.

Guardiola is clearly thrilled to have arguably the very best striker on the planet in his side and says his goal-scoring record means he could be in comparison with legends of the game, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

‘That is what it’s like in case you play with Messi or Ronaldo, his influence is so big,’ Guardiola said after beating Bournemouth. ‘You see the numbers of that guy? In fact he’s that level.

‘Messi and Ronaldo have done it for 15 years, but that is the extent. The primary goal, the way in which he shoots the ball, it’s like “I’m going to attain”.

‘He has that hunger. It’s top. I said how incredibly coachable and manageable he’s.

‘I’m tough sometimes with Haaland, but he’s open-minded. He lives for the goals and sometimes the pressure cannot sustain 90 minutes, but that’s normal.

‘Without him it might be tough to be honest, but we’re lucky that Omar [Marmoush] is back, and we now have fit players, it’s good.’

Guardiola added to the BBC: ‘We’re so blessed and lucky to have, initially, an incredible person because he’s the sweetest and kindest. And he’ll improve. And after that, as a player the numbers are only outstanding.’

Haaland was pleased to be back on the scoresheet after a rare blank last day trip in a 1-0 loss at Aston Villa.

‘Vital win. It is sweet to bounce back after losing a foul away game. It was nice,’ he told Sky Sports.

‘I attempted to contribute for the team by doing my job. It is sweet to win. Now two more essential games to return, so keep focusing.

‘I didn’t rating last game. I attempt to help the team to win. That’s my goal and even by scoring or helping in winning duels it doesn’t matter. I need to assist the team develop into higher, that’s my job.’

The win sees Manchester City climb back to second within the Premier League table, six points behind leaders Arsenal.

Next comes a blockbuster clash with Liverpool on the Etihad on Sunday afternoon.

MORE: Gary Neville says ‘just one team’ can deny Arsenal the Premier League title

MORE: Wayne Rooney names surprise Manchester United player who was quicker than Cristiano Ronaldo

MORE: Erling Haaland injury update for Man City vs AFC Bournemouth Premier League clash