The Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe debate might take over the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo rivalry since both players are nearing the end of their careers.
After Haaland scored in Manchester City’s 4-1 win over Arsenal on Wednesday at the Etihad Stadium. The Norway international’s form this 2022-23 season has again brought up the debate with Mbappe.
During a Thursday segment on talkSPORT, former English footballer Darren Bent explained why he still would go with the 24-year-old Paris Saint-Germain star as the better player over Haaland.
Bent has one reason for going with the French forward, he’s seen him perform at the highest level as Mbappe has scored a hat-trick in a FIFA World Cup final.
“Listen, it’s apples and oranges, whichever you one you want,” Bent told Andy Goldstein.
“But I look at Mbappe and I think he is phenomenal and I’ve also seen Mbappe in [the] World Cup finals. Turn up with goals—hat tricks. I’ve seen him in big, big, the biggest of games. I’ve seen him turn up. So, listen, if a club signed either one of them too, I think you’re going to be happy.”
AG: "I'd rather have Haaland than Mbappe!" 😲
DB: "I think I'd take Mbappe over him, he's scored a hat-trick in a World Cup final!" 🔥
Andy Goldstein and Darren Bent discuss who's better, Haaland or Mbappe?" pic.twitter.com/8GMzS6cGyE
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) April 27, 2023
While Haaland is performing at a high level for Manchester City, the striker must translate that form to playing at the international level with Norway and contend for UEFA Euro or a World Cup.
For some, the 22-year-old cannot solely rely on his club numbers and have the “best in the world” title.
