Jamie Carragher makes bold prediction on PL best player with Thierry Henry comparison

Jamie Carragher feels Manchester City star Erling Haaland could be crowned the best ever Premier League player when the dust settles on his career.

The 22-year-old arrived at the Etihad Stadium this summer, with City paying Borussia Dortmund £51m for his signature. His goalscoring record with both BVB and Red Bull Salzburg in Austria suggested the Citizens were signing a special talent. There were a few doubters who suggested the Norway international would find the Premier League a tougher proposition.

But nine top-flight goals in just five matches this term has already proved he is the real deal. And pundit Carragher is eager to see the young talent at close quarters this weekend.

“I’m excited to watch any game but to watch him in the flesh and commentate on him for the first time and really get a good look at him off the ball as well,” he told Sky Sports. “I’m really excited to watch him.

“We know we’ve got a great player in the league but I think we’ve got something really, really special.”

Haaland has already scored two league hat-tricks and is on course to rewrite the Premier League record books. Newcastle duo Andy Cole and Alan Shearer both netted 34 goals in a single season during their illustrious careers.

Kevin Phillips holds the record for goals scored in a debut season, with 30 in 1999-2000. Both records seem well withing the Scandinavian’s grasp if he maintains his current form until May next year.

Haaland could be best of all time

There have been plenty of stars who have graced the English top-flight over the past 30 years. Thierry Henry is rightly lauded for his eight years at Arsenal that yielded 226 goals in all competitions.

And ex-Liverpool defender Carragher feels Manchester City ace Haaland will go on to be mentioned in the same breath as an Arsenal legend

“When he’s finished his time at Man City or in the Premier League, we’ll be putting him alongside Thierry Henry,” he added. “I think this lad could end up being the best player we’ve seen in the Premier League. I really do believe that as I think he’s that special.

“He’s made a brilliant start and I can’t say long may that continue because that would be a lie. But I’m really excited to see him at the weekend.”

Haaland will next be in action when Pep Guardiola takes the champions to Villa Park to face under-pressure Aston Villa on Saturday.

And, with seven goals from his last three outings, there are few who would bet against him finding the net once again.

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