Pep Guardiola believes Erling Haaland is better than Alexander Isak – How the strikers compare
Liverpool have signed one of the best strikers in the world in Alexander Isak, but some believe he is not the best in the Premier League.
The Sweden star established himself as a world-class attacker at Newcastle, and Isak scored against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final to write himself into club history.
Liverpool broke the British transfer record to bring Isak in, and he will join Hugo Ekitike in a newly revamped striking roster at Anfield.
Isak could help Liverpool win the Premier League title again ahead of Arsenal and Manchester City, but Pep Guardiola believes City have a better attacker than the 25-year-old.
Pep Guardiola picks Erling Haaland over Alexander Isak
Guardiola was asked about Isak in his press conference ahead of the Manchester derby, and he claimed that their striker, Erling Haaland, is better than the new Liverpool superstar.
“A little bit above,” Guardiola stated of Haaland when asked to compare him to Isak.
“Isak is an exceptional player. You asked me about Erling, and he is top.
| Stat | Alexander Isak | Erling Haaland |
| Appearances | 86 | 100 |
| Goals | 54 | 88 |
| Assists | 10 | 17 |
“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.”
Isak and Haaland moved to the Premier League in the same summer, but while the Norwegian has outscored everyone since his arrival, both strikers have different skillsets.
Alexander Isak’s style compared to Erling Haaland
While Haaland is a pure poacher in front of goal, Isak also contributes a lot in build-up play, and many would argue that he is the more well-rounded player.
- Haaland’s performance in Man City’s defeat to Brighton last time out showcased his style: he recorded just 20 touches and completed six passes, but fired seven shots and scored.
- Isak tends to drop deeper to contribute in the build-up, while his supreme dribbling ability has also seen him pull off some incredible assists.
Man City now play to Haaland’s strengths, allowing him to avoid build-up and simply attack the box, while Newcastle did make use of Isak’s ability to drop deeper and link up with his teammates.
- Read more: Every Liverpool manager to win Premier League Manager of the Month after Arne Slot announcement
Verdict: Alexander Isak suits Liverpool more
In Arne Slot’s system, Ekitike has already scored in limited appearances, while also linking well with his teammates, and Isak can take this to the next level.
Haaland may suit a team like City, with everything built around him as the focal point for goals, but Isak would be joining a side with Florian Wirtz and Mohamed Salah.
With goals coming from all over the pitch, Isak’s link-up play and ability in deeper positions are more useful than what Haaland would provide.
Even if Haaland is the better goalscorer, Liverpool have signed a player more suited to their needs in Isak, and they will hope he can win them another Premier League title.
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