Rasmus Hojlund praised Erling Haaland as the best striker in the world, and admitted that he cannot compare with the Norwegian striker in terms of class.
"Hopefully one day I can reach Haaland's level, but right now I think it's too early," Hojlund told Norwegian 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 29 goals in 27 games for Salzburg and 86 goals in 89 games for Dortmund. Last season, the Norwegian striker shone with 52 goals in 53 games, helping Man City win a historic treble of the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League. Thanks to that, Haaland is the strongest candidate to compete with Lionel Messi for the 2023 Ballon d'Or award.
Hojlund believes Haaland has already established himself as one of the best strikers in the world and it is unclear how far the Norwegian star can continue to improve. Therefore, the 20-year-old striker stressed that he does not want to be compared to Haaland, although he enjoys the expectations placed on him.
"Who knows? I'm only 20. We have to wait," Hojlund continued. "Haaland has had some great years and is a crazy 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 having expectations of me."
Hojlund and Haaland in Man Utd and Man City shirts in the Premier League. Photo: ESPN
Hojlund was born in Copenhagen, Denmark on February 4, 2003, and grew up in the city before moving to Austria to play for Sturm Graz. He scored 12 goals in 21 games for Sturm Graz before joining Atalanta for a fee of 19 million USD in the summer of 2022. Hojlund does not have an impressive scoring record, with nine goals in 32 Serie A games last season, but is highly regarded for his ability to choose a position, exploit space behind the opponent's defense and finish with both feet.
Alfred Johansson, one of the coaches in Copenhagen who has watched Hojlund develop since he was a child, thinks comparisons between his former player and Haaland are ridiculous. "It's true that they are both strikers, left-footed and blond, but that's where the similarities end," Johansson stressed. "I understand why there are comparisons, but Haaland is Haaland, and Hojlund is Hojlund. What's important is Hojlund's development in the coming years, and comparing him to other players doesn't help."
This summer, Hojlund was bought by Man Utd from Atalanta for $83 million upfront plus $11 million in additional fees, and signed a contract until 2028. The Danish striker gradually asserted his position and scored in the Champions League, including a double against Galatasaray and a goal against Bayern.
On October 21, Hojlund and his teammates will visit Sheffield United in round nine of the Premier League.
Hong Duy
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