Michail Antonio has spoken highly about Manchester City star Erling Haaland as he shared what he thought about the Norwegian every time he saw him on the pitch.
Erling Haaland has been one of the Premier League’s best players since his arrival at Manchester City in 2022.
He has registered 127 goals and 21 assists from 149 appearances for City, along with a staggering 48 goals from 45 Norway outings.
Michail Antonio, who has gone up against Haaland numerous times over the course of his West Ham career, gave a resounding verdict on the 25-year-old.
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Michail Antonio says Erling Haaland is an ‘ultimate striker’
Antonio took part in TNT Sports’ Ultimate UCL XI alongside Julien Laurens and StillRyan.
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The trio picked their dream line-up made up of Champions League players, though no more than one player from each club could be included.
This meant Ruben Dias and Rodri had to miss out, with the Man City slot going to Haaland, and Antonio explained why he rated the Norwegian so highly.
“His attributes… 6’7″, strong, powerhouse, balls will be crossed into him, balls will be placed to him… he’s like an ultimate striker,” said Antonio.
“If you could build a striker you probably would build him.
When StillRyan asked Antonio whether he ever compared himself to Haaland, Antonio said: “To be honest you don’t really compare yourself, because obviously each player is individual. You play your game how you play.
“But you do look at him, you’re thinking, ‘what a guy’. You do go, ‘this guy is quality’, because you can also show appreciation of other people, you can see other people’s qualities.
“And literally, when I see him playing, the goals that I’ve seen him score and what he’s done already in the Premier League, you’re like, ‘it’s unbelievable’.”
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Erling Haaland’s plans for the future
Back in January, Haaland signed a huge new contract which saw him commit his future to Man City until the summer of 2034.
And towards the end of last season, Haaland suggested he would try to replicate Kevin De Bruyne’s 10-year stay at the Etihad.
When asked what the future looks like for Man City, Haaland said: “Of course, it is going to be different with different players.
“And one day it will be me, who’s going to be in Kevin’s shoes, you know? It’s with everyone. Every career kind of ends, you know?
“But, yeah, it’s going to be different with new faces, new players and everything. But we have to continue what we’ve been doing.
“I want to win more trophies. I want to continue to win things and to be successful with City.
“That’s why I’m here and, yeah, it’s not going to be easy, because the most difficult thing after you win is to do it again.
“This club will keep on winning no matter what. So when Kevin leaves, someone has to come in and replace him. That’s just how it is.”