Manchester City’s Erling Haaland hailed as best in the world

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By Martin Graham | 20th Jul 2022

There is a lot to look out for in the Premier League as the new campaign approaches. While it is predicted to be another two-man race between Manchester City and Liverpool, it could be more exciting to watch the former.

The Citizens have enjoyed a fine transfer window so far and completed one of the best summer buys, having struck a deal to sign Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.

For a player who averages a goal per game, there is much optimism he would come to a club like City and raise his game even higher under Pep Guardiola. City scored 99 goals without a natural striker last term and many are eager to see what becomes of that tally with the presence of a prolific scorer like Haaland.

Some have even gone to claim that the Norwegian is the final piece of the puzzle missing for the Manchester club and could finally be the player that lands them the much-coveted Champions League title that has eluded them for the past six seasons

Haaland hailed as ‘best in the world’

For many, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the best players in the world. For some others, it’s currently Kylian Mbappe or Karim Benzema. But for ex-City man Zabaleta, it is none of this names and the club legend becomes the latest to say Haaland can fire City to their first Champions league title.

“He’s (Haaland) a big lad, eh? I saw him and was like, ‘wow’,” Zabaleta told Sky Sports. “He was one of the main players on the market and a lot of top teams were looking to sign him.

“We’re all very pleased to have him at the club, I think he’s got that connection already with Man City, because of his dad playing for the club.

“For me, I would say he’s the best player in the world.

“He’s a world-class player, he’s a great signing, the same as Kalvin Phillips. Fernandinho left and the club needed to bring someone in to replace him. He’s been really good at Leeds.

“All the players have been doing everything they can to make the club better, domestically they won everything, they have been very successful [and] dominated English football for the last 10 years.

“The Champions League is probably one of those competitions the club is looking for. I’m confident, hopefully they can win it soon.”

Haaland’s arrival has been facilitated by City allowing versatile attackers Sterling and Gabriel Jesus to leave for Premier League rivals Chelsea and Arsenal respectively.

After joining from Liverpool in 2015, Sterling scored 91 goals and recorded 42 assists in 225 Premier League appearances for City. On the other hand, Jesus joined from Palmeiras in 2017and scored 95 goals and recorded 46 assists in 236 total appearances for City.