Erling Haaland has played down comparisons between himself and modern football greats Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, saying he is nowhere near their level. But, the striker believes he is in “a good way” to surpass his best tally of 56 goals in a season.
The Manchester City forward delivered another masterclass on Sunday as his side beat high-flying Bournemouth 3-1, climbing up to second place in the Premier League after 10 matches.
With his brace, Haaland now has 13 Premier League goals this season—more than twice as many as any other player. He also achieved a rare milestone, becoming only the third player ever to score two or more goals in four or more consecutive Premier League home appearances, after Robbie Fowler (4 in 1995–96) and Luis Suárez (5 in 2013).
Across all competitions, Haaland has already scored 26 goals in 16 appearances for club and country as of early November, taking his career tally to 327.
After the Bournemouth match, City manager Pep Guardiola heaped praise on the 25-year-old striker, comparing him to Argentine legend Lionel Messi and Portuguese icon Cristiano Ronaldo, noting how the two remained consistent over 15 seasons.
Asked about Guardiola’s comparison, the Norwegian immediately dismissed the idea: “No, not at all. I am far off. Nobody can get close to them two, so no.”
Haaland trails a long way behind the pair’s extraordinary goal totals. Argentina great Messi, 38, has scored 892 career goals, while 40-year-old Portugal icon Ronaldo is on 952 as he continues his pursuit of the 1,000-goal mark.
Haaland scored 56 goals in the 2022–23 season, his first at Manchester City following his move from Borussia Dortmund, which remains his most prolific campaign so far.
This season, Manchester City could play a maximum of 52 more matches, while Norway could play up to 12 if they reach the FIFA World Cup final, plus additional friendlies yet to be decided.
With 98 goals in 107 Premier League appearances, Haaland is closing in on becoming the fastest player to reach a century of goals in English top-flight. Former England captain Alan Shearer set the record at 124 games and sits atop the all-time Premier League charts with 260 goals.
Shearer, who played for Southampton, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United, said last month that Haaland has a “brilliant chance” of breaking the record.
Asking on that matter Haaland said, “Which record? Not to sound arrogant! I am in a good way but I don't think of this.
“Thinking about records I can break is the last thing on my mind, I try to help the team win football games. That is my job and that is my main focus.
“I know it's boring, I know you want me to say the complete opposite but that's not how it is. I have to ignore them.”
Manchester City host Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday in their fourth Champions League group match, with both teams on seven points.