Alan Shearer has hailed Erling Haaland as the world’s top striker, but remains sceptical about the Manchester City forward surpassing his own Premier League scoring record. Haaland is on a blistering run of form so far, netting his second hat-trick of the season in City’s 3-1 triumph over West Ham, taking his tally to seven this season and an impressive 70 in 69 league matches.
Despite this, Shearer isn’t fully convinced the Norwegian will outdo his monumental 260-goal record – and it could be down to the club’s 115 charges. The ex-Newcastle striker has acknowledged Haaland’s exceptional talent and rapid rise since his 2022 arrival at City, but has pointed out that uncertainty at the club may see him make an exit from the Etihad sooner than expected.
Speaking to Betfair, Shearer said: “I think if Harry Kane was to come back to the Premier League in a couple of years, then he may have a chance of breaking my record, but there’s no doubt that if Erling Haaland stays here for the next five or six years, the way he’s going, then he will absolutely break it.
“We’ll have to wait and see though; we don’t know what’s going to happen with Man City and the charges, we don’t know what’s going to happen with Pep Guardiola and his time at the club.”
City have been charged with breaking financial fair play rules over a nine-year period, which started in 2009 and went on until 2018. The club deny all the charges against them, but it remains to be seen what will come of the case against them. If found guilty, it has been suggested they could face a huge points deduction or even be kicked out the Premier League.
City’s hearing has been brought forward to mid-September after it was originally set to start in November. Schedules, though, could change as it is a legal process, independent of influence from the Premier League or City.
On the uncertainties, Shearer added: “They are big questions, not only for the football club and the manager but also for the players that are at the club too. But, if Haaland stays in the Premier League then absolutely, he’ll break my record.”
Haaland is one of the most prolific goal-scorers in the world right now (Image: Getty)
The ex-Newcastle star didn’t hold back in his admiration for the Norwegian sensation, lauding his goalscoring abilities as “top class”. He continued: “Erling Haaland is the best striker in the world right now. In terms of his goals, I mean, he’s playing in the hardest league in the world too.
“I know he’s got great players around him, but he still has to finish his chances and the way he is, and how easy he’s making it look, which of course it’s not, then yes there’s no one better than him at putting the ball in the back of the net at the minute.
“Haaland’s finishing is top class, and you can see he really, really enjoys it too and I appreciate that. I get that because when you’re in that form, when you’ve got that belief and when you have a chance and you expect to put it away, it’s a great feeling.
“Standing on the pitch, standing in the tunnel looking at your competitors thinking ‘I’m already 1-0 up. I’ve already got the belief and the confidence.’ It’s an incredible feeling and I can see he’s got that. I can see it in him and it’s an amazing feeling.”
Haaland will have the chance to add to his ever-growing goal tally after the international break, when City take on Brentford at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, September 14 at 3pm.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1944426/Alan-Shearer-Erling-Haaland-Man-City-115-charges