Rio Ferdinand heaps praise on Erling Haaland after he netted FIVE times in Man City’s 7-0 win

Rio Ferdinand has praised Erling Haaland, stating that he “brings a superpower to Man City” after he scored an astonishing five goals in their 7-0 win over RB Leipzig.

Pep Guardiola’s side faced the German side in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 on Tuesday, with the score tied 1-1 on aggregate going into the game.

However, after Haaland broke the tie by conceding a controversial penalty, City smashed Leipzig and the Norwegian completed his hat-trick before halftime.

Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin de Bruyne scored goals in the second half, while Haaland added two more as City won 7-0 and advanced to the competition’s quarter-finals thanks to a stunning 8-1 aggregate win.

Haaland has now scored 39 goals this season, meaning he is City’s all-time top scorer in an individual campaign, while he took his Champions League tally to 33 goals, surpassing several game greats such as Wayne Rooney, Kaka and Patrick Kluivert.

Rio Ferdinand couldn’t believe what Haaland has achieved this year for Pep Guardiola’s team

Following his outstanding individual performance, Ferdinand was in awe of Haaland’s achievements this season.

“What Haaland is doing in football at the moment is amazing,” said the former Man United defender. Sport.

‘When he’s playing like that in the team, they’re absolutely dominant. He gets the feeling as long as everyone else is a 7/10 and he’s here “we win”.

“He brings a superpower to the team and this is already a supercharged team with exceptional talent, and there is hunger and desire in his game above all else.”

Outrageously, I’ve heard people say that he (negatively) impacts the way this team plays. 39 goals in the season… just makes this team better.’

Ferdinand also touched on Haaland’s style of play, praising his ‘instinctive’ nature as a key factor in why he scores so many goals.

He added: “It’s the carefree attitude that he just wants to play football and I love the fact that it’s very simplistic, it doesn’t overcomplicate things.” He is always giving one or two touches and running after.

‘These are old school traits and he’s at his best when he doesn’t have to think. It’s instinctual for him.

“Most of the players on the field when the balls are in those areas are on their heels, but he is alert and ready to jump.

“It’s not a coincidence that he’s scored so many goals at the age of 22, he’s just in the right areas time and time again.” There is no coach, not even Pep, one of the best if not the best in the world who can teach that.’

Ferdinand’s praise was backed by BT Sport pundits Nedum Onuoha and Joleon Lescott, who hailed Haaland’s world-class attitude and skill.

Former City defender Onuoha said: “He just loves football. There’s something about him that a lot of people like.

“He’s contagious and there’s something magical about him that attracts people. He’s playing the way we all want to play if we could.”

‘Haaland is a generational talent. That’s why there was so much interest in him when he left Dortmund.

Ferdinand also had high praise for Haaland’s ‘instinctive’ nature in being able to score so many goals.

Elsewhere, Nedum Onuoha and Joleon Lescott were in awe of Haaland’s world-class ability.

“He is an icon for this football club and he has been amazing in his performances.”

Lescott added: “We talked earlier this season about how many goals he will score. There is no stopping him.

“If he’s over 50, I don’t think anyone questions that, there have been some ridiculous comments about him in the team.

“I don’t see how a man who scored so many goals could make a team worse.”