‘It’s his style, his physique, his faith’: Erling Haaland has all the qualities of a young Zlatan Ibrahimovic, says Joleon Lescott, who as a former Man City defender is backing the latest Etihad star to shine in the Premier League
- Erling Haaland carries the burden of expectation on his shoulders after a change of city
- The Norway international joined Etihad for £51million this summer
- Joleon Lescott has compared the striker to Milan long-time favorite Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Joleon Lescott compared the boast to Manchester Citysigning the declaration Erling Haland to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Haaland taking £51million Borussia DortmundHe comes to the Premier League with great expectations.
But City believe the 21-year-old can handle the test put to him and throw himself under pressure as they attempt to clinch back-to-back titles.
Erling Haaland has been compared to Zlatan Ibrahimovic by ex-City defender Joleon Lescott
“I think you can compare Haaland to Zlatan,” Lescott said. “I like that, I like the personality he seems to have.
“It’s clear he’s someone who knows what he wants and what he stands for. He puts pressure on himself to do well.
“It’s his style, his physique, his beliefs. His stature and presence reminds me so much of Zlatan.
“But he has this quality. I wouldn’t call that arrogance. It’s more that belief in his abilities.”
Haaland can be blunt, claiming earlier this summer that Sweden defender Alexander Milosevic called him ‘wh***’ and threatened to ‘break his legs’ in Norway’s 2-1 Nations League win.
Ibrahimovic is still going strong in Italy and was part of the Milan side that won Serie A
Lescott believes Premier League defenders will try to anger the striker in a City shirt but is adamant he has the temperament to handle provocation.
“I watched the defender (Milosevic) hand him a stick and he got up and said, ‘I’m ready for this,'” Lescott added.
“It’s the kind of attitude you need in the Premier League so I wouldn’t worry about that element in his game. You need that arrogance, that belief that you’re the best. “He’s being targeted – but I think defenders will be thrown off course in that case.
“I don’t think Haaland’s temper can be questioned. He doesn’t do reckless tackles or get sent off. He reciprocates positively.
“He’s a player that City needs. It’s the right purchase. I don’t think there are many players out there with the personality that Haaland has.
Lescott believes Premier League defenders will look to anger the forward next season
