Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has defended Erling Haaland as the world’s best striker, brushing aside Liverpool boss Arne Slot’s suggestion that new signing Alexander Isak might hold that title.
Isak joined Liverpool from Newcastle on transfer deadline day for a British-record fee of £125 million ($169 million). Slot praised the Swedish forward, calling him “maybe the best striker in the world” ahead of his possible debut against Burnley on Sunday.
But Guardiola was quick to stand by Haaland, who has scored 88 goals in 100 Premier League games since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in 2022. His goals have helped City win two Premier League titles, the Champions League, and the FA Cup.
“A little bit above,” Guardiola said when asked to compare Haaland with Isak. “Isak is an exceptional player. You asked me about Erling and he is top. I wouldn’t change Erling for anyone. I know him. I like him.”
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Guardiola admitted that different people may have different opinions. “Another one would say Mbappe, another Messi, Cristiano. Isak must be a top player because of what they paid,” he added.
Isak also has an impressive record, scoring 54 goals in 86 league games for Newcastle and leading them to their first trophy in 56 years with the League Cup last season.
City, meanwhile, are under pressure ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby after suffering back-to-back defeats against Tottenham and Brighton. Guardiola will be counting on Haaland’s sharpness to get his side back on track.
To strengthen their squad, City recently signed Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain following Ederson’s departure to Fenerbahce after eight years at the club.