Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has compared Erling Haaland to Gabriel Jesus, claiming that the Arsenal man is better in a couple of areas.
Jesus joined the Gunners from City during last summer’s transfer window before hitting the ground running at the Emirates Stadium. The Brazilian international netted five Premier League goals and provided a further five assists in his first 14 Premier League outings before suffering a knee injury during the 2022 World Cup.
The 25-year-old has been sidelined since, with a return to action expected at some point in the coming weeks. Despite losing their star centre-forward, Mikel Arteta’s side have remained at the top of the table, sitting two points clear of the Citizens, who have also played one extra league match this term.
Now, City ‘keeper Ederson has heaped praise on Jesus’ successor Haaland whilst also admitting that the Arsenal man has the Norwegian beat in some areas. “When [Haaland] arrived, we said he was going to score a lot – and that’s been happening,” Ederson told UEFA.
“He is a brilliant goalscorer, he always looks to score and help the team. He is the striker we needed because in comparison to Gabriel (Jesus), they are different players: Gabi likes to come in from out wide, he is stronger and more versatile; Haaland plays more centrally, looking to get into the box, he is a target in the area.
“That has been the major difference. When you get into the final third you have someone who will always be in the area.”
Haaland has already scored 26 league goals this season, meaning he needs just seven goals from the last 14 games of the season to become the first player to ever hit the back of the net 33 times in a 38-game Premier League season.
