Pep Guardiola compares 'machine' Erling Haaland to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi after Man City beat Southampton

Erling Haaland possesses qualities similar to Cristiano Ronaldo, but needs to improve to reach the levels of Lionel Messi, says Pep Guardiola. Manchester City's emphatic 4-1 win over Southampton saw Haaland score a brace, including a bicycle kick that is among one of his best of the season. Ad The Norwegian striker has now scored 44 goals in all competitions.

Premier LeagueGuardiola reveals doubts over Walker's future, says he 'cannot' play City's systemYESTERDAY AT 08:23 He's also managed 30 league goals in 27 games, reaching that total quicker than anyone else. Only two other players have scored 30 or more goals in their first season in the Premier League, with Andrew Cole netting 34 in 1993/94 and Kevin Phillips scoring 30 in 1999/00. After the match, when asked how Haaland compares to Ronaldo and Messi, Guardiola replied: «In terms of the thesis of scoring goals.

He's quite similar in terms of Cristiano but Messi is the more complete player. Messi can play wherever while Cristiano and Erling are machines. »Erling knows those two guys dominated over two decades not just one or two seasons, winning titles and doing everything.

«Football is a better place for Cristiano and Messi for what they have done for our business, the traction of these two guys competing at the big clubs. »Erling is arriving in the toughest league in the world. I can talk as I've been in other leagues and doing what he has done is remarkable.