Liverpool boss Arne Slot claimed this morning that Alexander Isak is “maybe the best striker in the world” but Pep Guardiola believes there is one man above him: Erling Haaland.
Isak joined Liverpool for a British record £125million from Newcastle on transfer deadline day and will complement an Anfield attacking arsenal that also includes Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo.
The Swede has scored 54 goals and added nine assists in his 86 Premier League appearances.
An outstanding return but still some way short of Haaland’s phenomenal record of 88 goals and 16 assists in exactly 100 top-flight games for City.
Asked where Haaland ranks given Slot believes Isak is perhaps top of the pile, Guardiola said: “A little bit above.
“Isak must be a top player because of what they paid. Another one would say Mbappe, Messi, Cristiano… I wouldn’t change Erling for anyone. I know him. I like him.”
Haaland will be key once again for City this weekend when they welcome crosstown rivals Manchester United to the Etihad.
The former Borussia Dortmund striker comes into the game full of confidence having scored five times in Norway’s 11-1 hammering of Moldova in midweek.
more to follow
