Former Manchester United star Pique gives verdict on Erling Haaland vs Kylian Mbappe debate

Gerard Pique has weighed into the debate on who is better out of two young players destined to be the game's next greatest stars: Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.

Lionel Messi and Manchester United's own Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the 'best player in the world' conversation for more than 15 years now but, while both remain absurdly brilliant, their careers are sadly approaching the end. As a result, the next crop of superstars are vying for the honour of being labelled the best.

The two leading candidates at present are Mbappe and Haaland, who look set to rule over the sport just as Messi and Ronaldo have for the next decade. At 23, Mbappe has already claimed an immense trophy cabinet having won the World Cup and several French league titles. An expected move to Real Madrid this summer will likely see him claim many more.

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Haaland, who is two years younger, is quickly establishing himself as the best striker in the game. In 87 games at Borussia Dortmund he has an astonishing 85 goals to his name and he's expected to reach even greater heights by moving to Manchester City in the transfer window.

The debate about who is better is a hotly contested one that Barcelona defender Pique found tough to decide upon.

"I think that they are two of the best players right now," the Spaniard told Gary Neville for the Overlap. "They are very young they have potential to be Ballon d'Or [winners] for sure.

"I think Haaland is more of a pure striker, very strong, he's scored a lot of goals. Mbappe is more a complete player, I would say. He can play as a winger, he plays as a striker but he can play there.

"Both are very good. I've not had the opportunity to