Erling Haaland: RB Leipzig Mock Manchester City Star With Comparison to Josko Gvardiol

Erling Haaland: RB Leipzig Mock Manchester City Star With Comparison to Josko Gvardiol

Martin Moses
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:26 PM
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  • Erling Haaland's stature as one of the best young players in the world is not in question
  • However, the Norwegian had a dull night in Germany as RB Leipzig frustrated Man City
  • The German side took full advantage of the rare below-par performance with a brutal dig

Erling Haaland is undoubtedly one of the best young players in world football.

The Norwegian took no time in settling into the English Premier League, with the striker on course to setting new records at the end of the season.

His move to Manchester City was thought to be the final piece of the puzzle to help Pep Guardiola finally win a Champions League title for the Citizens.

Erling Haaland, RB Leipzig, Manchester City, Josko Gvardiol
Erling Haaland in action against RB Leipzig on February 22, 2023. Photo by Ulrik Pedersen.
Source: Getty Images

There has been evidence to suggest those assertions might be true. The Norwegian has developed a near-telepathic chemistry with Kevin De Bruyne and on their day, no defence can stop them.

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The only thing working against Haaland is his inability to create his own chances, especially in a game where City's playmakers have been subdued.

This is one aspect that Kylian Mbappe, the apparent heir to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, has mastered.

Leipzig trolls Haaland

But that notwithstanding, his record in front of the goal is ridiculous for a 22-year-old.

He has chipped in with vital goals even as Guardiola faces a huge task to wrestle the EPL title from his protege, Mikel Arteta and fast-rising Manchester United.

Against RB Leipzig in the first leg of the round of 16, the Norwegian had a rather off day as the Germans snatched a crucial draw. Haaland was silenced by another promising young player - Josko Gvardiol.

Gvardiol has forced fans to take cognisance of him with immaculate performances for Croatia at the World Cup. Save for the Messi goal against him in the semi-final, the 21-year-old had a splendid tournament.

Leipzig rubbed in Haaland's off night with a clear dig on Twitter:

"One of Europe's best young players. And Erling Haaland."

You don't want to be angering Haaland, especially with a whole 90 minutes to come in front of his own fans.

But at the moment, Gvardiol will revel in his goal and his performance against Premier League's deadliest striker.

Guardiola blasts Thierry Henry

Sports Brief also reported on Man City boss, Pep Guardiola slamming Thierry Henry over the French legend's comments about Haaland.

Despite the forward's incisiveness in front of the goal, he has not been immune from criticism from fans and pundits alike.

Henry recently took issue with Haaland, claiming the Norwegian's presence in the team makes Man City too predictable.

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Martin Moses
Martin Moses is a sports journalist with over five years of experience in media. He graduated from Multimedia University of Kenya (Bachelor of Journalism, 2017-2021)