Goals, goals, and more goals – that seems to be Erling Haaland’s sole purpose on the pitch. The Norwegian striker has made a habit of dismantling defences and finding the back of the net with frightening regularity. Already nicknamed the “goal machine” and “the beast”, Haaland’s reputation continues to soar. According to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, his prolific forward has now reached the elite level once occupied only by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
In Manchester City’s latest Premier League fixture, a 3–1 victory over Bournemouth, Haaland struck twice, netting the opening two goals that effectively sealed the win for the champions. His performance prompted Guardiola to draw comparisons with football’s two all-time greats, Messi and Ronaldo.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Guardiola said, “Haaland’s finishing ability makes him as dependable and as clinical as Messi and Ronaldo were in their prime. We played brilliantly as a team, but Erling made the real difference – much like what happens when you have Messi or Cristiano in your side. Their influence is simply immense.”
When asked if Haaland has truly reached their level, Guardiola replied, “Just look at his numbers! The statistics speak for themselves. Yes, he’s already operating at the same goalscoring level as Cristiano and Messi.”
However, the Spaniard did point out a key distinction: longevity. “The difference,” Guardiola explained, “is that Cristiano and Messi have been doing this for over fifteen years. Messi still plays in the MLS and scores two or three every match; Cristiano keeps doing the same in Saudi Arabia. Haaland is right there with them now, and without him, it would have been difficult for us to win today.”
Guardiola went on to praise Haaland’s mentality and relentless work ethic. “His determination to score and his hunger to improve are his greatest strengths. Watch the way he strikes the ball – he leans into his shots as if to say, ‘I will score.’ That’s the mentality that sets him apart.”
So far in the ongoing Premier League season, Haaland has scored 13 goals in 10 matches, bringing his total tally across all competitions to 18.
| Category | Statistics (as of November 2025) |
|---|---|
| Premier League appearances (2025–26) | 10 |
| Premier League goals (2025–26) | 13 |
| Total goals in all competitions | 18 |
| Total league appearances for Manchester City | 107 |
| Total league goals for Manchester City | 98 |
| Goals needed for 100 | 2 |
At just 25 years of age, Haaland now stands on the brink of history. With two more goals, he will become the fastest player ever to reach a Premier League century, surpassing Alan Shearer’s record of 100 goals in 124 matches.
For Guardiola, Haaland’s rapid rise is no surprise. “He’s special,” the City boss concluded. “We’re witnessing something extraordinary – a forward who can define an era, just like Messi and Ronaldo did.”