Erling Haaland believes he has done enough in the 2022-23 season to compete for the Ballon d’Or 2023 against Lionel Messi. The 23-year-old made the switch to Manchester City last summer after the Cityzens paid the striker’s £51.2 million release clause at Borussia Dortmund.
Haaland started scoring for Pep Guardiola’s side as soon as he arrived. The Norwegian scored an incredible 52 goals in 53 games in all competitions for Man City. He guided the blue side of Manchester to their first ever treble, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League in his first ever season. The feat may have been enough to secure a Ballon d’Or for the Norwegian any other year, but Lionel Messi happened.
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The Argentina legend guided his team to their third World Cup win after 36 years, securing the only trophy that was missing from his cabinet in the process. Messi also won the Golden Ball after being adjudged the best player in the tournament. This achievement by Messi will cast a shadow of doubt on the Norwegian’s chances to win the award, but Haaland thinks he has a fighting chance.
Speaking to France Football, Haaland said: “I know I can still improve a great deal, I’m still young. But yes, I believe I have a chance this year. “I’d like people to remember me as a special player, in the way I play. This is what I’m trying to do every week: show special stuff.”
Haaland will be keen to win the Ballon d’Or this year, but faces tough competition from Messi and his former teammate Kylian Mbappe. It will be an interesting battle and the voters will have a tough time choosing the worthy winner.
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