Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Bürki believes Erling Haaland has the potential to reach the heights of Robert Lewandowski in the coming years.
Haaland only joined BVB from Red Bull Salzburg in January this year, but he made a huge impression during the backend of the campaign with 16 goals and three assists from just 18 appearances.
Despite his efforts, Dortmund were unable to stay with Bayern Munich in the title hunt and they finished the campaign 13 points behind the Bavarian giants, who won the Bundesliga crown for the eighth year running.
In a recent interview with Kicker h/t Goal.com, Bürki acknowledged the sheer brilliance of Robert Lewandowski, who contributed heavily towards Bayern’s treble-winning campaign.
He added that Haaland has not reached the level of the Poland international yet, but he could quickly develop into a similar sort of player, should he continue to develop at the current rate.
“Lewandowski is outstanding, Erling is not that good yet. Lewandowski has maintained this impressive level for years, but if Erling continues like this, he will quickly be at this level. Physique, speed, technique – he has all the necessary prerequisites,” He told.
Lewandowski, 32, had a superb 2019/2020 campaign with Bayern, where he produced his best-ever return during a single season. The Pole netted a staggering 55 goals from just 47 appearances across all competitions.
He would have been the leading candidate for the prestigious Ballon d’Or accolade, but won’t get the opportunity to win it after France Football cancelled the presentation this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Haaland, on the other hand, is only at the beginning of his professional career at 20, but his performances over the past 12 months have generated plenty of excitement regarding his future.
The Norway international has the pace, physique and strong shooting abilities and only time will tell whether he can become one of the world’s best strikers and potentially compete for the Ballon d’Or crown.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
