‘It’s his style, his build, his conviction’: Erling Haaland has all the attributes of a young Zlatan Ibrahimovic, says Joleon Lescott, as former Man City defender backs latest Etihad star signing to shine in Premier League
Erling Haaland has the weight of expectation on his shoulders after City move
The Norway international moved to the Etihad this summer for a deal worth £51m
Joleon Lescott has compared the striker to the evergreen Zlatan Ibrahimovic . from Milan
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Joleon Lescott compared the swagger of Manchester City’s statement signed Erling Haaland to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Haaland, the £51 million imprisoned from Borussia Dortmund, arrives in the Premier League with great anticipation.
But City believe the 21-year-old can handle the criticism and lean into pressure situations as they try to take three consecutive titles.
Erling Haaland has been compared to Zlatan Ibrahimovic by ex-City defender Joleon Lescott
“I think you can compare Haaland to Zlatan,” Lescott said. “I like that, I like the personality he seems to have.
“Obviously he is someone who knows what he wants and what he stands for. He puts pressure on himself to get it right.
‘It’s his style, his build, his conviction. His figure and his presence remind me so much of Zlatan.
“But he has this quality. I wouldn’t call it arrogance. It’s more this belief in his abilities.’
Haaland can be candid, claiming earlier this summer that Swedish defender Alexander Milosevic called him a ‘wh***’ and threatened to ‘break his legs’ in Norway’s 2-1 win in the Nations League.
Ibrahimovic is still doing well in Italy and was part of the Milan side that won the Serie A . won
Lescott believes Premier League defenders will try to annoy the striker in a City shirt, but is adamant he has the temperament to handle provocation.
“I saw the defender (Milosevic) hand him a stick and he insisted and said, ‘I’m ready for this,’” Lescott added.
“That’s the kind of attitude you need in the Premier League, so I wouldn’t worry about that element in his game. You need that arrogance, that belief, that you are the best. “He will be the target, but I think defenders will break loose if they do.
“I don’t think Haaland’s temperament can be questioned. He does not make reckless tackles and is not sent away. He reacts in a positive way.
“He’s a player that City need. He is the right asset. I don’t think there are many players with the personality that Haaland has.’
Lescott believes Premier League defenders will try to striker back next season