Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has insisted Erling Haaland is “a little bit above” Alexander Isak, who Liverpool manager Arne Slot described as the best striker in the world.
Liverpool fans are eagerly awaiting Isak’s debut but, speaking earlier on Friday, Slot called for patience towards the £125 million ($169.5 million) signing, who is continuing to build up his match fitness after a disjointed summer.
Slot praised Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson for helping to protect “maybe the best striker in the world”—comments which were soon put to Guardiola in his own press conference just hours later.
Asked how he would rank Haaland compared to Isak, Guardiola smiled: “A little bit above.”
The City boss continued: “Isak is an exceptional player. You asked me about Erling and he is top. Isak must be a top player because of what they paid. Another one would say [Kylian] Mbappé, [Lionel] Messi, Cristiano [Ronaldo], it’s a game of opinions.
“I wouldn’t change Erling for anyone. I know him. I like him.”
