Erling Haaland issues humbles response to comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has refused to entertain comparisons to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi amid his blistering goalscoring form.

Despite continuing to rewrite record books in England and across Europe, the Norwegian striker has dismissed suggestions that he belongs in the same category as two of the game’s all-time greatest players.

The comments arrive during what many view as one of Haaland’s most complete periods in a Manchester City shirt, having personally declared himself that he feels “the best version” at this point in his career in a stark warning to Premier League rivals about his form.

Erling Haaland’s composure under pressure has been instrumental for Pep Guardiola’s side, particularly as the club mark the milestone of the Catalan’s 1,000th senior managerial match this weekend.

Manchester City’s No. 9 has already scored in crucial wins against the likes of Brentford and Manchester United to name just a few in recent weeks and months, and will be looking to extend his form in what is often one of the defining fixtures of the season against Liverpool.

Speaking during a new feature with Sky Sports ahead of the weekend’s clash, Erling Haaland was quizzed on the prospect of breaking more records, including becoming the fastest player to 100 goals in the Premier League.

Should Haaland score twice against Arne Slot’s squad on Sunday afternoon, the Norway international would reach a century of goals in 108 appearances – overtaking Alan Shearer’s tally of 100 goals in his first 124 Premier League games.

“Why should I think of potential records? My focus should be on helping the team to get three points, that’s what I should do,” Haaland insisted.

He continued, “Even if it’s me trying to score as the striker of Manchester City, trying to help in many different ways to get three points and win trophies, that’s my main focus.

“After, if records want to come, it’s nice. But I don’t think I should think of these because too much in your mind is not good.”

Such has been the rate of Erling Haaland’s goal scoring so far this season, some are comparing the Norwegian to the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but the 25-year-old’s response was one of humility.

“I think I’m a good player. But with [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo, they should be in their own category with all they’ve been doing for 15 years at the highest level,” he told Sky Sports.

“No one comes close; what they’ve been doing, competing against each other, the goals scored, titles they won, records they’ve been breaking – incredible. That’s why I don’t want to get compared with them.”

Erling Haaland’s modesty will do little to quiet the comparisons, especially with his strike rate already eclipsing many all-time greats at the same age. If he continues at his current pace, the Norwegian could soon find himself challenging the very records set by the players he refuses to compare himself with.

For Pep Guardiola and Manchester City, his attitude is just as valuable as his output. Focused on collective success rather than personal accolades, Erling Haaland’s mindset embodies the culture that has powered City’s dominance in recent years.

As the club chase more silverware both domestically and in Europe off the back of a difficult season last time around, their talismanic forward’s refusal to be distracted by individual glory could prove the difference once again.