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Manchester City v Liverpool EFL Cup 22/12/2022. Fourth Round Manchester City forward Erling Haaland 9 warming before the EFL 4th Round Cup match between Manchester City and Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England on 22 December 2022. Manchester Etihad Stadium Manchester England Editorial use only DataCo restrictions apply See www.football-dataco.com PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK , Copyright: xIanxStephenx PSI-16586-0057
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Manchester City v Liverpool EFL Cup 22/12/2022. Fourth Round Manchester City forward Erling Haaland 9 warming before the EFL 4th Round Cup match between Manchester City and Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England on 22 December 2022. Manchester Etihad Stadium Manchester England Editorial use only DataCo restrictions apply See www.football-dataco.com PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK , Copyright: xIanxStephenx PSI-16586-0057
Erling Haaland is addicted to scoring goals. Be it one, be it two, or a hattrick, the Norwegian can’t get enough of them. Haaland has already broken the record for the most goals scored in a single Premier League season, with 36. Even though Haaland is just 23 years old, Manchester City has activated its scouting network to find a potential successor. Rumors suggest they have already identified their target.
Chelsea FC, who are going through a rough time, have only been able to score 43 goals compared to Haaland’s 44 in the calendar year. After being named the Player of the Season in Europe, Haaland is all set to take on Lionel Messi for the Ballon d’Or, and yet City are planning for the future.
Erling Haaland has ample time to shine at City
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Manchester City have identified a potential target to succeed Erling Haaland. It’s not a matter of concern for the Norwegian as the target is just a 15-year-old AC Milan youth product. As per Calciomercato, Francesco Camarda is already being labeled as one of the best Italian youth prospects. The AC Milan player scored a worldly brace against Newcastle United in the UEFA Youth League. It was Camarda’s debut match as he became the youngest-ever Italian to score a brace in the tournament.
Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund are among the top European clubs who want to sign the AC Milan player. Camarda will likely sign his first senior contract with AC Milan in the coming summer. The clubs believe that he is a top talent and will have to negotiate with Milan for his signing.
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4th March 2023 Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England Premier League Football, Manchester City versus Newcastle United Erling Haaland of Manchester City shows his frustration PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK ActionPlus12482892 DavidxBlunsden
Meanwhile, City’s present striker is playing in his own league. However, even with such exceptional performances and records, pundits and critics are leaning towards Lionel Messi to win the Ballon d’Or. Many former PL players and pundits have taken their stance to join either Team Messi or Team Haaland.
Pundits and critics make their vote for Ballon d’Or
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Pundits and critics are fervently voicing their opinions on the upcoming Ballon d’Or award. Darren Bent, a former premier league icon, is among those who believe Lionel Messi should take home the coveted title. Bent’s perspective revolves around Messi’s undeniable status as the greatest player of this era. He concedes that Messi may not have dominated European soccer in the past year but he emphasizes Messi’s World Cup heroics.
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However, Erling Haaland is making a formidable case for himself in the Ballon d’Or race. Craig Burley, a former Derby County player, vehemently argues that Haaland deserves the Ballon d’Or more than Messi. Burley’s viewpoint underscores Haaland’s sensational debut season with Manchester City, while expressing frustration over Messi’s frequent Ballon d’Or victories, citing Robert Lewandowski’s missed opportunity due to COVID-related cancellation.
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The debate boils down to whether Haaland’s exceptional performance merits the recognition of soccer’s most prestigious individual accolade, and pundits and critics are fervently staking their claims on the outcome. Who do you think should win the Ballon d’Or? Let us know in the comments below.