'I wish I played with a striker as good as Haaland' — Fabregas places Man City star above Henry, Van Persie, Torres

Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas was full of praise for Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and by doing so, he seemingly sold short some of the elite strikers he played with in his days. 

The Spain international played for top clubs in his career. From Barcelona to Arsenal, Chelsea and then Monaco. Consequently, he has played behind some of the best strikers the game has seen, including Thierry Henry, Diego Costa, David Villa, Robin Van Persie, Fernando Torres, etc.

However, in a recent interview, Fabregas alluded that he never played with a striker of Haaland's calibre, as he wished he could have played with a forward of the Norwegian’s level. 

“But I think when you are talking about this type of player like Haaland, you cannot really say anything like that because he will just put you to shame in a way,” Fabregas said. 

“You know, he will make it happen. He will break the record—now he didn't score, but he will score three. He's too special and too good. And he plays for such a good team all around the pitch that there is always a gap or a way for him to make a difference at any point in any game. 

“And especially in the form that he's in now, I would never get too complacent, you know, if I was a central defender or an Arsenal player or any player in any other team when we play against Haaland because the guy’s a machine. I really like him. I wish I played with a striker of his calibre and yeah, we need to always be on our toes to stop him.”

Meanwhile, Super Eagles legend John Mikel Obi has criticised Haaland's seemingly reduced potency against tougher opponents. He wants the 24-year-old to score more in high-profile matches to be regarded among the best to have played the game.