Barcelona New Boy Gundogan Names One Player Who Can Rub Shoulders With Messi and Ronaldo

• Ilkay Gundogan believes Erling Haaland is on the same level as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
• With Messi on his way to Inter Miami and Ronaldo already in Saudi Arabia, Haaland could take over as the new global phenomenon
• His contributions were instrumental in Man City's triumphant and historic treble-winning campaign

Ilkay Gundogan believes Manchester City striker, Erling Haaland can be mentioned in the same breath as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

In his debut season with Man City, Haaland achieved an astounding feat of scoring an impressive 52 goals in 53 matches.

This outstanding contribution played a crucial role in Man City's historic treble triumph, which included the prestigious Champions League title.

The extraordinary achievements of the Norwegian prodigy invite comparisons to the iconic figures who have paved the way in football history: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

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Haaland's exceptional consistency and remarkable goal-scoring frequency generate a sense of anticipation that he may one day attain the same remarkable status as the aforementioned duo, widely regarded as the Greatest Footballers of All Time (GOAT).

Reflecting on Haaland's debut season with Man City, Gundogan, who swapped the Cityzens for Barcelona in the summer transfer window, said, as quoted by Daily Post:

“Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect when he came here [Manchester City].”

The 32-year-old continued: “But when I got to know him, I was so surprised how someone could be that talented and still have the will to be even better every single day.

“He’s never satisfied. I feel like there are no limits for him. Messi and Ronaldo are the only comparisons for the level he could reach.”

According to Hindustan Times, if he continues at this astounding pace, there is a growing belief that he possesses the potential to rival Messi and Ronaldo's monumental achievements.

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Guardiola's Haaland comparison

Sports Brief also reported that Pep Guardiola revealed that Erling Haaland is on the same level as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Speaking after Man City's win against Southampton, Guardiola once again waded into the discussion on where his elite striker ranks among the best of this generation.

"We have lived two incredible decades with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, but he is on that level. The second goal was amazing. It is not easy to pick the ball up in the sky and put it on the grass," he said.