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Paul Scholes Names Player Who He Thinks Can Reach 'Levels' Of Cristiano Ronaldo And Lionel Messi

Paul Scholes Names Player Who He Thinks Can Reach 'Levels' Of Cristiano Ronaldo And Lionel Messi

Paul Scholes claims from 'what he's seen so far' Erling Haaland has what it takes to reach Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's "levels."

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has tipped Erling Haaland to reach the same "levels" of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Haaland, 20, has become one of Europe's fastest-rising prospects alongside the likes of Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe and Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho.

Haaland put Europe's biggest clubs on notice thanks to his brilliant goalscoring exploits with RB Salzburg.

And Dortmund snapped up the Norwegian striker midway through last season after splashing a reported €20m on Haaland.

Scholes has now praised Haaland and believes he has the potential to hit the heights of Barcelona captain Messi and Juventus superstar Ronaldo.

The 45-year-old former England international also added that United should have pursued Haaland over Sancho, who was heavily linked with the Red Devils in the summer.

PA

PA

"I think Haaland is sensational," Scholes told Stadium Astro.

"I think he'll be up there with your Ronaldo's and Messi's levels possibly from what I've seen so far.

"That's why I just never felt Sancho was the right type of player because we've got three of that type of player already.

"To spend £100m or whatever, I didn't think it was right. I wasn't that disappointed.

"Look, he's a brilliant player and he'll probably improve any team but I just didn't think there was the need for him this year."

PA

Haaland has been on international duty with his country and scored a sensational hat-trick in Norway's 4-0 win over Romania in the Nations League on Sunday.

Real Madrid starlet Martin Odegaard set up Haaland twice in the match, and the Dortmund star recognises the potential of their partnership in the long run.

After hilariously interrupting Odegaard's interview with TV 2, Haaland joked: "I just have to pay tribute to him a little. Finally, he came to his senses and played the ball to me.

"It's nice to play with Odegaard. It will only get better in the years to come. We are still young."

Featured Image Credit: PA/Stadium Astro

Topics: Paul Scholes, Football News, Football, Manchester United, Barcelona, Serie A, Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, Juve, old lady, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Cristiano Ronaldo, La Liga, Barca