Erling Haaland has set a benchmark for strikers after years of high-scoring performances. This time, a former Newcastle United wonderkid compared himself to the Norwegian prodigy, despite having played minimum game time for the last couple of years. The English striker has also not been very active in soccer for the past few years, playing less than 10 minutes for his previous club.

Haaland, on the other hand, is playing four different tournaments in Europe, excluding international games. The Manchester City striker scores goals for fun, and one will need enormous confidence to liken himself to him.

Former Newcastle striker claims he would have been as good as Haaland

After playing for Newcastle United with high hopes and being considered a next-generational talent, Nile Ranger shortlived his contract at St James’ Park. After playing for a couple of years, Newcastle management opted to terminate his contract following his struggles with excessive gambling habits. The striker is now feeling remorse, saying he could have become like Haaland if he had done a bit more nurturing. Speaking to The Athletic, Ranger said, “I shouldn’t be having problems but I didn’t listen. If I added nutrition to my game and behavior, I’m Haaland. But I didn’t want to listen. I thought I knew it all.”

The 32-year-old talks about how being a bit more disciplined and well-behaved could have put him in a similar position to Haaland. The player mentioned the advice he got from people, but he did not listen to them. Known for his skilled finishing, the player, however, did not score as many goals as the Norwegian. But deep down, he feels that he could have become the 2023 UEFA Player of the Year.

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Meanwhile, Haaland’s accomplishments at 22 are commendable. The Norwegian forward scored 53 goals in his last season, winning the treble with Manchester City and being a runner-up for the Ballon d’Or. Ranger, however, doesn’t see soccer as the only option after the last few years of minimal play.

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Ranger still feels he can be back

The last club Nile Ranger played for was Boreham Wood in the National League, through which even Ryan Reynold’s Wrexham AFC rose this year. The center forward hardly played six to ten minutes before leaving the club in the summer of 2022. But the player still feels he has potential in him and is looking for a second shot at the game.

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Ranger stated, “I know I’m very good at football; people can play to 38 or 39.” “I can still play. I want to get back, then I can climb.” The former England Under-19 player had his best season with Southend United, where he got to play more matches and score more goals. And finally, the player wants to be remembered as “a good player but a rebel.”

What are your thoughts on Ranger’s claims? Let us know in the comments below.