Lagerback: Haaland could be next superstar like Ronaldo, Messi

Norway coach Lars Lagerback has tipped Erling Haaland to develop into a superstar like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Dortmund 2-1 PSG_Haaland prevails over Neymar-Mbappe with a double

Norway coach Lars Lagerback has tipped Erling Haaland to develop into a superstar like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. 

The Dortmund striker has been sensational since his move to Germany and it will be interesting to see how he develops in the coming months.

Lagerback said: “I’ve maybe been around too long but I have never seen a guy since maybe (Lionel) Messi or (Cristiano) Ronaldo that developed at such a young age.

“That’s very unique and he has all the possibilities to become a really world class player – if you look at the offensive third of the pitch and in the box then he’s already absolutely top class.

“He perhaps has a little bit more to do in the link play but being so young, he’s already at a really high level.

“With the qualities he already has and his focused personality – if he can stay free from injury then he can be a really top class player.”

Haaland is already regarded as one of the best strikers around Europe and the 20-year-old will be hoping to scale new heights next year.

He managed to score 44 goals last season for RB Salzburg and Dortmund. The Norwegian striker moved to Germany in January and bagged 16 goals in 18 games. Prior to that, he was on fire in the Austrian league.

With the right coaching and regular first team football, there is no reason why he cannot develop into a top class player in future. 

With Messi and Ronaldo in their twilight years now, the likes of Haaland, Mbappe, Sancho will be expected to take centre stage as the next generation of superstars. 

If the young striker continues to perform at this level, Dortmund will struggle to hold on to him for long.