Barcelona manager Xavi heaps praise on Man City striker Erling Haaland in Robert Lewandowski comparison

Barcelona manager Xavi has named Manchester City striker Erling Haaland among the best strikers in world football at present.

Haaland has enjoyed a brilliant start to his career at the Etihad Stadium, scoring 12 goals in just seven appearances in all competitions. On Tuesday night, the Norwegian added a further brace to his tally during his City Champions League debut at Sevilla.

The Blues managed to fend off competition from several clubs as they battled for Haaland's signature over the summer. One of those clubs was Barcelona where the 22-year-old is a popular figure, as was proved when he warmed up during a friendly match last month at Camp Nou.

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Xavi has now paid a big compliment to Haaland while speaking about his own superstar forward Robert Lewandowski. After the Polish striker scored a hat-trick against Viktoria Plzen, the former Barca midfielder was asked whether the 34-year-old was the best forward in the world.

Xavi responded: "It's fantastic to have him in the team, I can't praise him enough. But it's not just the hat-trick, it's everything he does and what he brings.

"Apart from the goals, he makes the team play, he understands when to press, he gives us many solutions in attack, how he communicates, he understands the game.

"The best? There's him, (Karim) Benzema and also Haaland."

Haaland will look to add to his goals on Saturday evening when the Blues host Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

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