Ballon d'Or: Rio Ferdinand makes Erling Haaland prediction if Man City win Champions League
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Updated 17/09/2022 at 17:14 GMT
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand thinks that Erling Haaland could be the winner of the 2023 Ballon d'Or. The Manchester City striker has been in electric form so far this season and speaking after City's 3-0 win over Bournemouth, Ferdinand said that Haaland would be guaranteed the individual prize if City win the Champions League this season.
Erling Haaland
Image credit: Getty Images
Rio Ferdinand thinks there would be "no question" that Erling Haaland would win the Ballon d’Or if Manchester City win the Champions League.
Manager Pep Guardiola has failed to win the European trophy since leaving Barcelona but the arrival of Haaland from Borussia Dortmund has made them into a more ruthless prospect.
The Norwegian was on the scoresheet in City’s 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon and speaking on BT after the game, Ferdinand predicted a hugely successful season for him.
He said: “He’s on the right track, I’m saying 35 [goals this season]. The guy has got the ability to break records because he’s in a team that’s absolutely dominating. He’s getting minimum, one good chance per half.
“He’s a fantastic footballer and the overriding factor is he’s got the hunger and desire to get out there.”
Of the next Ballon d’Or, he predicted: “The one coming, he’s in there. If he carries on this form and City win the Champions League, no question. There won’t be anyone who can get near him.
“He’s achieving numbers right now, head and shoulders above everybody else. Sometimes it’s not about performance - he’s affecting games. He scored with his third touch today.”
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