Pep Guardiola has hailed Erling Haaland as being on the same “level” as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, after the Norwegian striker’s latest brace helped Manchester City get back to winning ways against Bournemouth in the Premier League.
City bounced back from their defeat to Aston Villa last weekend with a dominant 3–0 win at the Etihad, with Haaland once again leading the charge. The victory lifted Guardiola’s men back up to second in the table, reaffirming their title credentials.
Haaland back among the goals
After being rested for City’s Carabao Cup win over Swansea in midweek, Haaland returned to the starting lineup against Bournemouth — and wasted no time in finding the net twice.
The brace took his tally to 13 goals in just 10 league games this season, adding to his four goals in three Champions League matches.
For most players, those would be staggering numbers. For Haaland, they’ve become the norm. Since joining City, he has produced:
- 52 goals in 53 games (2022/23)
- 38 goals (2023/24)
- 34 goals (2024/25)
— and counting.
Guardiola: “He’s at the level of Messi and Ronaldo”
Speaking after Sunday’s win, Guardiola made an eye-catching comparison between Haaland and the two greatest forwards of the modern era.
“Have you seen the numbers of that guy? Of course he has [reached their level]. The numbers from Cristiano and Messi have been for 15 years… this is that level. The first goal, the way he shoots the ball — incredible. He’s coachable, humble, and lives for goals. Without him, it would be tough, to be honest.” — Pep Guardiola
Guardiola’s comments underline Haaland’s evolution not only as a goal scorer but also as a leader and professional, setting higher standards every season while maintaining a ruthless hunger for improvement.
Rayan Cherki’s growing role in Haaland’s dominance
While Haaland naturally attracts the spotlight, Guardiola highlighted the importance of Rayan Cherki, who assisted both of Haaland’s goals against Bournemouth. The French midfielder has quickly become a crucial creative outlet in City’s system.
Cherki himself played down his role, instead crediting the connection between the two:
“I know Erling, he knows me. When I play with him and he with me, it’s very simple. My job is to give the ball to Erling and he scores.” — Rayan Cherki
That understanding between the pair — simple yet devastating — gives Guardiola’s side an extra edge. When Cherki is in rhythm and Haaland finds space, few defences in Europe can contain them.
Erling Haaland stats 2025/26
| Stat (2025/26) | Erling Haaland |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 13 |
| Goals | 17 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Shot Conversion Rate | 31% |
source: Sofascore match data – November 2, 2025
These figures highlight Haaland’s extraordinary consistency. With 17 goals across competitions already, he’s averaging well above a goal per game. His shot conversion rate of 31% shows an elite level of efficiency, proving why Guardiola’s comparisons to Messi and Ronaldo don’t sound far-fetched.
Our View: Haaland’s evolution beyond goals
In our view, Haaland’s improvement this season isn’t just in finishing — it’s in leadership and mentality. The 25-year-old has shown a newfound calmness and willingness to link play, adapt tactically, and guide younger players like Cherki.
If he continues this trajectory, it’s not unrealistic to say he’s entering the same stratosphere as Messi and Ronaldo in their peak years — not just statistically, but in influence and aura.
What’s Next
Manchester City play at home against Dortmund in midweek Champions League action, where Haaland will look to continue his goal-scoring run in Europe. A win would put City on the verge of knockout-stage qualification and further cement Haaland’s status as the tournament’s most feared striker.
They then return to Premier League duty next weekend against Liverpool, a fixture where Guardiola may rotate but will no doubt rely on Haaland’s form to keep pressure on leaders Arsenal. City fans will hope this latest purple patch is a sign that the striker is just getting started this season.
👉 Manchester City fans — do you agree with Pep? Has Erling Haaland finally reached the Messi-Ronaldo level, or can he still go even higher?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 3 Nov 2025 10:48
He's talking about goals, yes, but never the player that comes close to neither of them. They where on a another level the way they've played the game
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