Haaland can become the world’s best player, says Michu

Michu has backed Erling Haaland to ‘define a decade in this sport’ by challenging for the Ballon d’Or every season and playing for the biggest clubs in Europe.

Haaland has experienced a meteoric rise to prominence over the last year and is now regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in Europe, alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappe.

He went from being a relatively unknown youngster at the beginning of last season to one of the most in-demand players in Europe following a prolific campaign, notably in the Champions League with RB Salzburg.

The 20-year-old then sealed a January move to Borussia Dortmund and proved his prowess in the Bundesliga, smashing home 13 goals in just 15 games to finish as the league’s sixth-highest scorer.

Haaland ended 2019/20 on a remarkable 44 goals in 40 games across all competitions for Dortmund and Salzburg. Thus, everybody expects him to maintain his lofty standards for the upcoming season.

While Michu, who Haaland idolized growing up, believes the Norwegian’s potential can lead him to reach the pinnacle of football with clubs like Real Madrid bound to come knocking on his door again.

The ex-Swansea star told Marca: “When I was in England, he was very young and he was just starting out.

“I had a very good first season at Swansea and I suppose he ended up watching my matches. For me, it’s an honor because I think he’s a player that’s going to define a decade in this sport.

“He has it all: youth, goalscoring, he’s very quick despite his height, he’s good with both feet… I think he’s going to be one of the best strikers in Europe.

“I’ve never seen a breakthrough like it in European football – maybe Mbappe. But he’s very young, he’s got a good head on those shoulders and we’ll soon see him at a great team like Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich…

“We talk a lot on social media. I give him lots of advice and support from my experience as a player. He’s still a kid, he has plenty to improve on and it looks like he’s got a massive future.

“If he continues with that progression, he’ll fight for the Golden Boot and Ballon d’Or every season.

“He’s a very humble boy and has everything in front of him. He’s got a big personality despite his age. He’s very well advised. He’s got all the ingredients to be the best player in the world.

“He’s made a very clever move in signing for Borussia. He’ll keep growing there before making the step up to the elite.”