"It's very difficult..." Erling Haaland talks about facing Calvin Bassey! | OneFootball

The Nigerian striker found it difficult to face the Nigerian defender.

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In a recent episode of The Rest is Football podcast with hosts Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, Manchester City star Erling Haaland pointed to defenders like Fulham's Calvin Bassey as prime examples of what makes the Premier League such a demanding competition.

Since his arrival at City in 2022, Haaland has shattered records, becoming the fastest player to reach 100 league goals in just 112 appearances. Despite his remarkable success, the Norwegian striker emphasizes the relentless physical challenge posed by England's top flight.

"The Premier League is not easy... it's very hard," Haaland explained, describing it as a "more physical" league defined by "duels" and constant "contact." He singled out his direct opponents to illustrate his point: "When you play against someone like Calvin Bassey, you immediately understand. You feel his strength."

Haaland also referenced the imposing presence of Crystal Palace's Joachim Andersen and the grueling, fixture-congested calendar. "The physicality is intense," he concluded, noting that as a result, "you have to focus even more on recovery."

Interestingly, Bassey has himself previously acknowledged Haaland's own formidable power, highlighting the mutual respect between top attackers and defenders in the league.