Jens Lehmann Says He Would Deal With Erling Haaland 'With Studs Up'

Jens Lehmann has claimed that he is more scared of Erling Haaland as a striker than Kylian Mbappe and says he'd have had to deal with the striker with his 'studs up.'

Haaland and Mbappe are very much on course to be the new Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and whilst they may not reach the latter's skill levels they are already being compared as often as the 11 time Ballon d'Or winners are.

Much like Messi and Ronaldo, the two younger forwards are similar in many ways but also have differences in their style and ability, which makes the discussion about which is best all the more intriguing.

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Lehmann has said that he would rather sign the Borussia Dortmund striker, rather than the PSG forward.

"I think the two players are really unique. Mbappe combines technique with pace and Haaland combines technique with pace and size," he told Marca.

"I have not seen or played against a player like Haaland in my career. It would scare me more than Mbappe. His physique does not intimidate me, but we are talking about two incredible players."

Haaland has got so much to his game. Image: PA Images

Lehmann wasn't exactly known for his subtle or unassuming method of goalkeeping throughout his career, often barging into and shouting at the opposition, and that wouldn't have stopped had he faced Haaland.

Asked what approach he'd have taken to stop the Norwegian, the 51-year-old said, "It depends on the distance between him and the goal and if I can stop him before he pushes the ball further forward. I'd put the studs first. I wonder if he would want to face me again [smiles]."

However clearly the former Dortmund striker thinks the forward might be able to handle it as he named 'bravery' as the one quality he'd highlight from the 20-year-old.

Lehmann didn't mind getting involved in a skirmish for the ball. Image: PA Images

The former Red Bull Salzburg striker has continued his incredible start to life as a top tier footballer this season and has scored 17 goals in 18 Bundesliga games so far.

His Champions League form is even better with eight goals in five games and it's easy to see why he's being linked with the world's best teams.

According to reports he only sees six sides as being 'big' enough for him to sign for right now, with Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus the only options.

Wherever the two end up, get ready for years of comparing Haaland and Mbappe, you love it really.

Topics: Football, Ligue 1, PSG, Erling Haaland, Borussia Dortmund, Kylian Mbappe, Bundesliga

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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