Guardiola: The Influence Of Erling Haaland Is Already At Messi And Ronaldo's Levels

JAKARTA - Pep Guardiola says Erling Haaland has now reached the same level as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of goals after helping Manchester City to a 3-1 win over Bournemouth.

The Norwegian scored two goals at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, November 2, 2025.

Haaland led the race for the Premier League Golden Boot with 11 goals so far this season - five goals from four players who scored six goals - and now he is only two league goals adrift to reach 100 for Manchester City.

Although the start of the productive season has ensured Manchester City is now in second place in the Premier League standings, six points behind leaders Arsenal, none of their teammates have scored more than a league goal for Pep Guardiola's side.

Manchester City manager said, because of its dominance in the scorer list, Haaland is now as reliable and sharp as Messi and Ronaldo when they were at the top of their performance.

"Of course we played very well again, Erling was very decisive. It feels like when you play with Messi or Cristiano, you know? The influence is huge."

"Has he reached that level? Look at the players' statistics? Yes, God, of course he is at their level, equivalent to statistics Cristiano and Messi."

"Difference between Cristiano and Messi, they've been doing it for 15 years. You see Messi still at MLS, he scores two or three goals every day. Cristiano in Saudi Arabia is the same."

"However, he is already at that level. Without Haaland, it will be difficult," said Guardiola.

Guardiola said Haaland's determination to score goals and his willingness to learn was of its main quality.

"The way he kicked the ball, right? He kicked the ball, slid on the grass. It felt like he was definitely going to score."

"I've said a lot, he's very easy to train and sometimes I'm tough on him."

"I always try to be open-minded with him and there are players who ask, what are we talking about? He's completely grounded, he wants to do it and he lives for a purpose," said Guardiola.

With 98 goals in 107 games, Haaland is on track to become the fastest player to reach 100 goals in the Premier League, surpassing Alan Shearer, who won in 124 games.