Sweden left-back Ludwig Augustinsson warned Norway forward Erling Haaland not to compare himself with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Prior to Sunday’s UEFA Nations League clash between the two Scandinavian countries in Stockholm, Augustinsson was asked who he preferred between Haaland and Ibrahimovic.
And he responded: “If you compare yourself with Zlatan, you lose every time. I do not think anyone should compare themselves with Zlatan.”
Haaland, 21, is considered one of the best players on the planet due to his incredible goal record – and is due to soon complete a move from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City.
During his two-and-a-half seasons with the Bundesliga side, he scored in 86 goals in 89 matches, including 41 in 41 during the 2020-21 campaign.
His height of 1.94m (6 ft. 3 in.) has naturally led to comparisons with Ibrahimovic, who stands slightly taller at 1.95m 6 ft. 4 in.).
However, while Haaland is still at the start of his career, Ibrahimovic, 40, just won 12th league title of his career when he helped Milan win the Scudetto.
Haaland scored twice as Norway secured a 2-1 win in the Swedish capital on Sunday.
"#Haaland come #Ibrahimovic? Non può paragonarsi a lui" ⬇️ https://t.co/oWK3aQaFrA
— Corriere dello Sport (@CorSport) June 5, 2022
Not right to compare a player at the end of his career to someone who just started his, but if we compare them by age Haaland is already far ahead. At least in terms of goals scored but that could change in the future.
Goals aren’t everything…
Look at how much they have won.
Zlatan at that age was in a great Ajax side which was still a powerhouse in Europe. With 22 years old he was bought by Juventus in a record fee for Ajax and won 2 scudetti in a row. Yes, they were revoked, but he was doing great there, Haaland was in a mediocre Borussia Dortmund team which was fighting no silverware. Let’s see how the kid develops
Haaland, with his strong running, reminds me more of the Brazilian Ronaldo. Let’s see how his game changes as he matures (and possibly slows down).