"The most incredible forward I have seen is Messi"

Together with Leo Messi, Pep Guardiola created one of the most tyrannical football dynasties in the history of the beautiful game. At Barcelona, they spread the magic of football around the world to win huge successes, so, understandably, the coach has fond and abiding memories of the Argentinian, while he works at Manchester City.

He was asked after his side's Premier League win whether Erling Haaland, who scored a hat-trick on Saturday, is the most complete forward he has ever seen and he replied: "The most incredible forward I have ever seen is Messi — I've never said something like that.

"The numbers with Erling are unbelievable. I think he can sit at the table, in terms of scoring goals, with Cristiano [Ronaldo] and Messi, that's for sure. He has the numbers for Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who controlled the last decade, 15 years, absolutely everything.

He continued: "In terms of numbers, it is that level. So, I don't know how he does it, but in 100 games scoring 91 goals is something in the Premier League, in this country, is unbelievable. I had a feeling that he feels better than last season at this stage.

"After travel last season, he felt a bit 'mmm-mmm' [so-so] or felt he was tired. This season, I think for the Euros unfortunately Norway was not there, there was more rest and yeah, he feels good. The goal was magnificent. He had two or three chances and always I had the feeling there was a gap to improve as a football player," he concluded.

 

August 24, 2024