Erling Haaland is the greatest striker in the world, according to Rasmus Hojlund, who acknowledged that he is not on the same level as the Norwegian forward.
“Hopefully one day I can reach Haaland’s level, but for now, I think it’s too early,” Hojlund told the Norwegian-language TV news channel. 24 TV2. “Haaland is the best striker in the world, if not the best player in the world right now. I really don’t want to be compared to Haaland, but hopefully one day I can be like him.”
Haaland scored 86 goals in 89 games for Dortmund and 29 goals in 27 games for Salzburg. With 52 goals in 53 games during the previous campaign, the Norwegian striker was a standout player for Man City, helping them win the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. Because of this, Haaland is Lionel Messi’s toughest opponent in the 2023 Golden Ball race. Hojlund doesn’t sure how much farther the Norwegian sensation can go, but he thinks Haaland has solidified his status as the greatest striker in the world. Thus, despite enjoying the expectations for himself, the 20-year-old striker made it clear that he does not want to be compared to Haaland.
“Who know? I’m only 20 years old. We have to wait more,” Hojlund continued. “Haaland had excellent years and is a crazy good player. I try to learn from Haaland, and I don’t know how good he can be. I just try to improve every day. I like that there are expectations of me.”
Hojlund and Haaland wearing the Premier League uniforms of Manchester United and Manchester City. Picture: ESPN Hojlund was born on February 4, 2, in Copenhagen, Denmark. He played football for the city’s club as a child before moving to Austria to play for Sturm Graz. In 12 games, he scored 2003 goals for Sturm Graz. In the summer of 19, he signed a 21 million dollar contract to join Atalanta. Despite having only nine goals in 2022 Serie A games, Hojlund’s scoring record is not particularly outstanding. However, he was given a high value rating because of his ability to pick positions, take advantage of gaps in the opposition’s defence, and finish with both feet.
Alfred Johansson is one of the coaches in Copenhagen who directly observed Hojlund’s development since he was a child. He thinks the comparisons between his former student and Haaland are ridiculous. “It’s true that they’re both strikers, left-footed and have blonde hair, but the similarities end there,” Johansson emphasized. “I understand why there are comparisons, but Haaland is Haaland, and Hojlund is Hojlund. What is important is Hojlund’s development in the coming years, and comparisons with other players do not help.”
Hojlund signed a deal with Man Utd that expires in 2028 after being acquired by the team from Atalanta this summer for an initial payment of 83 million USD and further payments of 11 million USD. The Danish striker scored in the Champions League, including a double against Galatasaray and a goal against Bayern, as he steadily established himself. In the Premier League’s ninth round, Sheffield United will host Hojlund and his teammates on October 21.