Why Erling Haaland 'could score 1,000 goals' and has taken his game 'to new level', but Harry Kane 'is a better footballer'
By James Hilsum
Updated 23/10/2025 at 12:36 GMT+1
React to this story
The Breakdown team assessed Erling Haaland's outstanding form in the opening weeks of the season, with the Norwegian seemingly unstoppable in front of goal. Ally McCoist, Joe Cole and Owen Hargreaves explained what makes Haaland so special, and lauded the 25-year-old's single-mindedness when it comes to goalscoring. Haaland's attributes were also compared with England's Harry Kane.
'Absolutely no-one near him' - Panel heap praise on Haaland after blistering start to season
Video credit: TNT Sports
Erling Haaland has started the season in rampant fashion, and TNT Sports' Breakdown team explained what separates the Manchester City star from his peers.
The Norwegian has plundered 14 goals in 10 appearances for City so far this season, including a brace in Saturday's 2-0 league win over Everton, and has been a key part of their resurgent form after a poor start to the campaign.
He also transferred that form to international level, too, scoring five in the 11-1 annihilation of Moldova last month and a hat-trick in a 5-0 thrashing of Israel last weekend.
Ally McCoist believes Haaland’s overall game, aside from his obvious goalscoring abilities, has also improved, as the Scot waxed lyrical about the 25-year-old’s form.
McCoist told TNT Sports' Breakdown: "I think he's taken it to a new level from what we've seen this season. He looks as though he's enjoying the responsibility of defending as well.
"I'm watching him, and clearly he's all about goals, but equally, with the number of headers he's winning defensively, I think he's just taken on a new mantle.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/10/01/image-3b37d508-ed56-48f7-ab97-25a9b26fb76e-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
Haaland scores delightful lob with first touch
Video credit: TNT Sports
"It’s as if he's enjoying the real responsibility of what he's doing. His movement over a short space is phenomenal."
Haaland sits second on the list of players to reach 100 goals quickest for a club in Europe’s top five leagues since 2000, doing so in 105 games, with Harry Kane managing the feat in 104.
Joe Cole highlighted the scale of what Haaland has achieved in the Premier League and feels that he is the best out-and-out No. 9 on the list, but reserved praise for a different type of player in Kane.
"I think his 105 is the most impressive out of all of them, and he's done it in the Premier League," said Cole.
"With all due respect, I think it's the toughest league. I said a few years ago and I was laughed out of the room; I think he'll score 1,000 goals for club and country throughout his career.
"I think as a centre-forward, there's no-one near him. Harry could be the best No. 10 as well in this country.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/09/28/image-a57fcf9e-01d0-4d94-a930-ab83d147b22d-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
Guardiola insists Haaland is at Ronaldo, Messi 'level' for goals
Video credit: SNTV
"Harry is a better footballer than Erling Haaland, in terms of the fact he can play in different positions and Harry's numbers are incredible."
McCoist backed Cole’s sentiments and Owen Hargreaves compared Haaland’s hunger for goals to that of Cristiano Ronaldo when the Portuguese changed positions earlier on in his career.
"The worst footballer on that list is Erling Haaland," McCoist added. When I say 'worst footballer’, I'll qualify it.
"In general play, linking up, seeing a pass, taking it in, everything it involves, Erling would probably be the one that falls short, but he might be a first pick as a centre forward."
- 'I'm over the moon' - Pickford signs new Everton contract
- Forget Haaland for a second - these three FPL differentials deserve your attention
"Erling reminds me of Cristiano in the sense now when Cristiano went from a winger to a goalscorer," Hargreaves explained.
"He went, 'I'm going to score a lot.' Erling looks like he's literally trying to smash the goal apart.
"It's amazing to watch because he plays with a hunger to score, which is amazing for young kids to watch."
---
Stream the Premier League, Serie A, Men’s and Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement