The former Manchester United striker feels the mantle of the world’s best player has been passed on to Haaland.
Wayne Rooney has declared that the illustrious era of Messi and Ronaldo is officially over – enter Erling Haaland!
This sensational 22-year-old striker’s 47 goals this season have made him a force to be reckoned with. In fact, in just 28 games, he has smashed home 32 goals in the Premier League this season – his first in the English top flight.
“Erling Haaland is the best footballer in the world right now,” Rooney said in his column for The Times.
“Lionel Messi is the greatest but, at this moment, nobody is playing better than a striker who — even though I broke records in that position myself — takes my breath away with the levels he’s reaching. He’s the best in the world because of the numbers he’s posting, the performances he’s putting in, and the mentality he shows.”
Can the Man City star win the Ballon d’Or?
Not only is Haaland the world’s best player, but Rooney has suggested he is a top contender to win the 2023 Ballon d’Or.
“If you’re looking at who is going to win the Ballon d’Or then it has got to be him, providing he keeps up his form of this season,” the now-DC United manager added.
“And why wouldn’t he? A record of 224 goals in 264 games is the mark of a player whose standards don’t drop.
“We’ve had the era of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, now this is his time, the era of Haaland and Kylian Mbappe. When there is a talent like him around you just have to enjoy it — even if he is wearing a Manchester City shirt.”
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