Guardiola lauds Haaland as ‘world’s best striker’ but won’t confirm Liverpool start

AFP | London

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Pep Guardiola insisted Erling Haaland is the “best striker in the world” despite refusing to confirm if the misfiring Manchester City star will start Sunday’s crucial clash with Liverpool.

Haaland has scored just twice in his last 12 appearances, and Guardiola elected to drop him to the bench for City’s 3-1 win over Newcastle in the League Cup semi-final second leg on Wednesday.

He has suffered a significant loss of form after scoring 19 goals in 14 games in all competitions in a blistering start to the season that included become the fastest player to reach 100 Premier League goals.

City have subsequently struggled during Haaland’s dip, falling six points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal. The Norwegian scored when City beat Liverpool 3-0 earlier this season, but Guardiola would not reveal if he will feature against Arne Slot’s side this weekend.