Transfer Centre

Former coach claims Erling Braut Haaland is 'modern-day' Zlatan Ibrahimovic

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 04 May 2020

Stanislav Macek, who coached Erling Braut Haaland at Red Bull Salzburg, believes that the young striker is already better than Zlatan Ibrahimovic in certain areas.

Red Bull Salzburg coach Stanislav Macek has backed Erling Braut Haaland to have a better career than Zlatan Ibrahimovic if he continues on his current trajectory.

Haaland has maintained his goalscoring form since joining Borussia Dortmund from Salzburg in January, netting 12 times in 11 appearances.

The Norway international has 40 goals in total this season at an average of one every 55 minutes, leading to talk of another scramble for his signature when the transfer window opens.

Macek coached Haaland during his time in Austria and believes that the youngster already surpasses perennial title winner Ibrahimovic in certain areas.

"He is a modern Ibrahimovic. I would say he is much better in his movement, quicker. He has a great mentality in how to face games and his profession," he told AS.

"I think that he has made a big move. He is one of the best in Germany. If he keeps progressing like he is, for sure, we will see him at a bigger club again in no time such as Madrid.

"The best have always played at Madrid and Haaland is one of them. He is a footballer made for Madrid without a doubt."

Ibrahimovic returned to AC Milan for a second spell in January after his contract with Los Angeles Galaxy came to an end.