Not Isak: Mikel Arteta tipped to sign two forwards this summer for Arsenal who share striking similarities

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 26, 2025 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Arsenal go to Nottingham Forest on Wednesday evening with their title hopes left in ruins following their 1-0 defeat at home to West Ham on Saturday.

Jarrod Bowen’s header on the stroke of half-time was enough to condemn Arsenal to their third defeat of the season, allowing Liverpool to move 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League following their win 2-0 win against Manchester City on Sunday.

The Gunners huffed and puffed against Graham Potter’s side but, in truth, never looked like scoring, registering just two shots on target across the 90 minutes.

And the bluntness of Mikel Arteta’s side means fresh debates have been raised about which forwards Arsenal should target in the summer window, with former England strikers Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer weighing in.

Liam Delap and Victor Osimhen tipped for Gunners

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast following the weekend’s action, a man who scored some glorious goals in the Premier League and the all-time Alan Shearer made clear that Arsenal “need a top-class centre forward and “they did before a ball was kicked this season.”

When giving his opinion on who that striker should be, Shearer said: “Victor Osimhen’s there. He, without doubt, will score goals.”

On loan at Galatasaray this season, Osimhen has scored 14 goals in 19 games in the Turkish Super Lig.

Having fired parent club Napoli to Serie A glory in 2022/23 with 26 goals in 32 games, Osimhen will likely be available in the summer after expressing his desire to leave Naples at the beginning of this season.

Lineker, who won the Golden Boot at the 1986 World Cup, becoming the first English player to do so, on the other hand, believes Arsenal should target Liam Delap at Ipswich.

“I know he’s [Delap] young, not entirely proven, but he’s scored quite a lot of goals in the Premier League this season for a team that’s obviously struggled having been promoted last season.”

In his first full season in the top flight, the 22-year-old has scored an admirable 10 goals in 25 games for an Ipswich side currently languishing in the bottom three.

Liam Delap and Victor Osimhen are very similar forwards

The pair are two very similar profiles. Both stand tall at 6 foot 1 inches, can shoot with either foot and can play with their back to goal.

Osimhen is known for his explosive pace and leaping ability, while Delap, though younger, also possesses great strength and speed for his age.

Competition	Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
Premier League	Ipswich Town	25	10	2	3,905
FA Cup	Ipswich Town	1	0	0	—
EFL Cup	Ipswich Town	1	0	0	—
Total		27	10	2	3,905

Delap is also proving himself as a goalscorer at Ipswich, despite the lack of quality in the side, whereas Osimhen has been doing it for years.

Competition	Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
Süper Lig	Galatasaray	18	14	—	1,384
UEFA Europa League	Galatasaray	7	6	—	594
Total		25	20	—	1,978

Watkins, Sesko and Vlahovic – the other targets for Arsenal

Arteta has made clear in the January window that his side were actively looking to bring in a new centre forward.

Arsenal are interested in Ollie Watkins, but Aston Villa held firm after opting to sell second-choice striker Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

Watkins, a boyhood Arsenal fan, may nonetheless be tempted to make the move to North London should Arsenal pursue him again in the summer.

Arsenal were also keen on Benjamin Sesko last summer before the Slovenian signed a new contract with German side RB Leipzig. Clearly, that interest is still there, with Fabrizio Romano revealing Sesko remains a target for the club.

Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic is also on the Gunners’ radar. After missing out on the Serbian in January 2021, Arteta has signalled that Vlahovic is a key target in the next window.

Even before the long-term injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, it was clear Arsenal needed an out-and-out goalscorer to provide them with something different in attacking areas.

It remains to be seen who they bring in over the summer in what will be an important transfer window for the club.

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F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain could face unexpected challenge which Lando Norris is aware of

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 26, 2025 / comment : 0 HITC, news

While the Formula One 2025 season officially kicks off at the Australian Grand Prix in two weeks time, all eyes are on the Bahrain International Circuit for pre-season testing.

Teams have the chance to get to grips with their setups over three days before heading down under. After months of improvements and alterations, this is the first true test that everything works as it should.

The Middle Eastern venue, which has hosted pre-season testing six times since 2009, is typically favoured for its reliable and consistent weather, offering a helpful baseline for teams to test the performance of their car.

Teams will be looking to change certain aspects of the car between runs, using analytic tools to measure the tweaks, but the one thing that is entirely out of their control is the weather.

Bahrain’s unseasonably cold weather could impact Formula One’s pre-season testing

When Formula One visits the Middle East, warm and sunny weather is expected with the biggest challenges the drivers might face being a windy day on the track.

But temperatures in Bahrain are “unseasonably cold” according to Formula One journalist Chris Medland.

On Wednesday, the temperature high is just 16 degrees, and with a strong wind, it feels colder, especially during the evenings.

These unusually chilly conditions during this crucial limited testing time could be significant.

“The majority of races take place in hot conditions during the season, so teams design cars – and Pirelli creates tyres – to operate in those temperatures,” said Medland on BBC’s live blog.

“This week, they might not get such an accurate read on how both their cars and the tyres perform, particularly when it comes to car cooling.”

Sky Sports’ James Galloway echoed the sentiment, noting that while the weather may still warm compared to the UK, the gusty breeze “doesn’t exactly represent the absolute ideal weather conditions” for teams on the opening day of a warm weather test.

He pointed out that the wind would be keeping the drivers’ attention throughout the day, with Lewis Hamilton experiencing a couple of small off-course moments and Liam Lawson running slightly wide braking into Turn Four.

McLaren’s Lando Norris provides a weather report after arriving in Bahrain

Even the drivers appear to have been disappointed by the weather in the Middle East.

After touching down in the Middle East, in an Instagram video for McLaren, Lando Norris said: “It’s still chilly out here in Bahrain.”

The 25-year-old was hoping to make the most of the sunshine before the proceedings in Bahrain kicked off, but his plans were stifled.

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A post shared by McLaren (@mclaren)

Norris said: “I was hoping to suntan and sunbathe a little bit the last couple of days, but one has not been able to do that and it’s actually been raining a little.”

Let’s see if the abnormal weather has any effects on the day.

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Golf’s top ten highest PGA Tour earners of all-time include Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 24, 2025 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Golf is well-known for being one of the toughest sports out there – it does however have its rewards, particularly financial ones.

The introduction of LIV Golf has seen the money within the game skyrocket in recent years, with purses reaching all-time highs.

This has turned golfers into multi-millionaires, with the tour’s finest reeking the rewards from the millions in prize money.

With that being said, which golfer ranks highest in the PGA Tour’s top earners list? HITC lists the top ten below.

10) Justin Thomas – $60,827,898

A new entry to this list, Justin Thomas recently broke into the top ten earners list following his second-place finish at the 2025 American Express – leap-frogging veteran golfer Matt Kuchar.

With 15 career wins and two majors to his name already, the 31-year-old’s career earnings will only continue to rise.

9) Jason Day – $61,731,563

In ninth with over $60m in earnings, is Australian golfing star Jason Day. His last PGA Tour title came back in 2023 at the AT&T Byron Nelson – the 13th win of his career.

Day’s impressive start to 2025 suggests he could soon be in line to pick up more prize money.

8) Jordan Spieth – $62,741,970

Having picked up his first major at just 21 years old, Jordan Spieth was expected to dominate the world of golf for years to come.

Despite racking up 13 career wins so far, the Dallas-born golfer has struggled to build upon his earnings in recent years, with his last tour victory coming back in 2022 at RBC Heritage

7) Justin Rose – $64,878,042

Justin Rose is undoubtedly a legend of British golf, ranking as the highest English golfer of all time in terms of career earnings.

The 2013 US Open winner, has amassed 13 tour wins so far and could go on to win more – given his impressive form in 2024.

6) Adam Scott – $68,248,165

Adam Scott has been a mainstay of the PGA Tour for some time now, racking up 14 wins during his 20+ year career.

Going down as the first and only ever Australian to win the Masters, Scott’s consistent displays have earned him fortunes on the tour.

5) Vijay Singh – $71,281,216

Ranking as the most successful non-American PGA player of all time, Vijay Singh will go down as a golfing legend once he eventually retires.

The three-time major winner has won a staggering 34 times on the tour – a total that has contributed to his impressive career earnings.

4) Jim Furyk – $71,507,269

A veteran of the US golf, Jim Furyk has amassed an impressive earnings pot over his 30+ year career.

Now in his mid-50s, the 2003 US Open winner has earned himself a reputation as one of the PGA Tour’s most consistent golfers.

3) Scottie Scheffler – $71,793,586

Having enjoyed a hugely successful 2024, Scottie Scheffler recently overtook the likes of Jim Furyk and Vijay Singh in the all-time earners list.

Undoubtedly the best or at least one of the best golfers on the planet currently, it would be no surprise to see the New Jersey native climb further up this list as the years go on.

2) Rory McIlroy – $90,989,348

Coming in at second is of one Europe’s best-ever, Rory McIlroy. The Northern Irishman has four major wins on his CV, as well as an impressive 26 PGA Tour victories.

Despite his last major coming in 2014, McIlroy has continued to pick up big wins – with a record three FedEx Cup crowns.

1) Tiger Woods – $120,999,166

With a whopping 82 PGA Tour wins and 15 majors to his name – it will come as no surprise to see Tiger Woods top this list.

Having enjoyed the majority of his success in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Tiger’s career earnings would have been even higher if he had been able to soak the staggering prize pots we see nowadays.

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Netflix Full Swing Season Three: Release Date, Trailer, Cast, How to Watch and More

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 24, 2025 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Full Swing Season Three is upon us, and The Golfing Gazette brings you absolutely everything you need to know about it.

After a massively successful first two seasons, Netflix have brought back ‘Full Swing’ for a third series – and best believe it should be a cracker.

Featuring the likes of Bryson DeChambeau, Ludvig Aberg, Rory McIlroy and more – Full Swing season three will provide a popular behind-the-scenes look at the world of professional golf, in particular the 2024 season.

So golf fans, rejoice, and strap in – here’s everything you need to know about the third instalment of Netflix’s hit golf docuseries.

Full Swing season 3 release date

Full Swing season three premieres on Tuesday the 25th of February, with all episodes expected to be available to stream from midnight.

How can I watch Full Swing season 3?

Full Swing season three will only be available to Netflix subscribers. You will need an account setup to watch – so make sure you get this sorted before the show tees off!

What is the series about?

The synopsis for the series is as follows, taken from a Netflix press release:

“Season three brings even more drama, with a lens on Scottie Scheffler’s history-making run, Rory McIlroy’s emotional rollercoaster in and out of competition, Bryson DeChambeau’s evolution from anti-hero to fan favourite and Keegan Bradley’s quest to write his own redemption arc from last year’s dramatic letdown.

“Also, Min Woo Lee and sister Minjee make their bid to be the first brother/sister golf tandem in Olympic history, Wyndham Clark partners with Mark Wahlberg to take their brand to the next level, Sahith Theegala makes a choice that costs him millions, Gary Woodland fights to return to the sport after battling a brain tumour, and Presidents Cup Assistant Captain Camilo Villegas rallies an International team in the wake of his own family tragedy.”

Full Swing season three trailer

You can check out the full trailer below – it looks packed full of drama.

Who is in Full Swing series three?

All your favourite golfers will be back to star in the third instalment of the franchise. The official Netflix synopsis suggests that storylines will be based on the following:

• Ludvig Aberg
• Keegan Bradley
• Joel Dahmen
• Bryson DeChambeau
• Wyndham Clark
• Tony Finau
• Rickie Fowler
• Adam Hadwin
• Min Woo Lee
• Minjee Lee
• Shane Lowry
• Rory McIlroy
• Justin Rose
• Scottie Scheffler
• Neal Shipley
• Nick Taylor
• Sahith Theegala
• Justin Thomas
• Camilo Villegas
• Gary Woodland

But expect to see many more familiar faces along the way!

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Top 10 best goals in Premier League history include Wayne Rooney, Thierry Henry and Alejandro Garnacho

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 24, 2025 / comment : 0 HITC, news

The Premier League began in 1992 and has seen tens of thousands of goals scored.

The archives of England’s top flight is a treasure trove littered with stunning strikes, incredible volleys, powerful headers and well-worked team-inspired tap-ins.

Although it is virtually impossible to condense nearly 30,000 goals into the best 10, HITC have given it a good go.

Join us as we take a trip down memory lane and relive some of the greatest-ever goals scored on one of football’s grandest stages.

10. Gareth Bale vs Stoke (2010)

Gareth Bale scored many memorable goals during his first six years at Tottenham Hotspur but none were more iconic than the acrobatic overhead kick he scored against Stoke City in 2010.

The Welshman’s volley, which was from a tight angle, was executed with such speed and precision that it is one of the best goals to be scored in the Premier League era.

9. Paul Scholes vs Aston Villa (2006)

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes is famous for two things — his loyalty to one club and the screamers he scored for them.

After coming through Manchester United’s youth academy, Scholes is part of the Premier League’s greatest-ever players and scored 155 goals for the Red Devils during his 22 years with the club.

Out of them all, though, it was his edge-of-the-box volley against Aston Villa in 2006 which is most memorable. The Englishman hit the ball, which was headed out to him from a corner, first time and unleashed a devastating volley.

8. Jack Wilshere vs Norwich (2013)

Jack Wilshere’s beautifully crafted goal against Norwich City in 2013 is widely regarded as the greatest team goal ever to be scored in the Premier League.

The amazingly orchestrated team goal saw Wilshere link up with Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud before beating a helpless John Ruddy from close range.

The midfielder’s stunning goal perfectly showcased Arsenal’s fluid style of football under Arsene Wenger.

7. Tony Yeboah vs Liverpool (1995)

Tony Yeboah’s stunning strike against Liverpool makes our Top 10 list.

The forward unleashed a thunderous volley from outside the box against Liverpool in 1995. The former Leeds United man’s screamer is still played over and over today, and it’s not hard to see why.

6. Paolo Di Canio vs Wimbledon (2000)

Paolo Di Canio is one of the Premier League’s biggest characters. The maverick Italian entertained fans for the seven years he was in England but it was his time with West Ham which he’s most remembered for.

The forward’s scissor-kick volley against Wimbledon in 2000, which came from Trevor Sinclair’s pinpoint cross, is one of the most aesthetically pleasing goals in Premier League history and has a deserving place in our Top 10.

5. Andros Townsend vs. Man City (2018)

Not only did Crystal Palace pull off a huge upset by beating Manchester City 3-2 in the Premier League in 2018, but the match produced one of the greatest-ever goals.

Midfielder Andros Townsend scored the third goal of the match after he unleashed a truly sensational strike from well outside of City’s box. Goalkeeper Ederson was well beaten, proving just how good Townsend’s volley was.

4. Alejandro Garnacho vs Everton (2023)

Some may argue that Alejandro Garnacho’s bicycle kick goal against Everton in 2023 deserves to be higher, and it might have been had it not been for the underwhelming occasion.

Unlike another Manchester United player’s bicycle kick goal, Garnacho’s strike didn’t come against the club’s crosstown rivals. It was sensational nonetheless, though.

The young Argentine opened the scoring against Everton during what turned out to be an easy 3-0 win for the Red Devils. Garnacho’s superb overhead kick silenced Goodison Park and deservingly won ‘Goal of the Season’ that year.

3. Thierry Henry vs Manchester United (2000)

Thierry Henry set England’s top flight alive during his eight years at Highbury. The Frenchman is widely regarded as the Premier League’s best-ever striker and his volley against Manchester United in 2000 proved why.

Although from a distance and a very tight angle, Henry’s superb touch and volley beat Fabien Barthez. The forward’s effortless magic was a testament to his skill, strength and finesse.

2. Dennis Bergkamp vs Newcastle (2002)

Another Arsenal player makes our Top 10.

Playmaker Dennis Bergkamp mesmerised Premier League fans over 10 years. The Dutchman scored 120 goals for the Gunners, but his most iconic came against Newcastle United in 2002.

Bergkamp’s unique turn and finish against the Magpies is often discussed as the best, not only of his career but also in the Premier League’s era.

The Ajax youth star pirouetted past Nikos Dabizas before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Shay Given. Genius.

1. Wayne Rooney vs. Manchester City (2011)

Not only is Wayne Rooney Manchester United’s all-time record goalscorer with 253 goals, but his Derby-winning goal against rivals Manchester City in 2011 is regarded as, not just his best-ever but the Premier League’s best-ever.

The retired Englishman scored an acrobatic bicycle kick following a deflected cross from Nani. While some argue Garnacho’s was technically better, the occasion of the fixture is what narrowly sets the pair’s tremendous goals apart.

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Premier League's best XI of all-time includes Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Scholes but no Mohamed Salah - opinion

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 24, 2025 / comment : 0 HITC, news

The Premier League is arguably the greatest competition in world football – so it’s really no surprise that it’s housed some of the best players to ever grace the game.

Alongside the greatest ever players to grace England’s top flight, come even greater clubs – such as the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal, plus many more.

And with great clubs, come great Premier League managers. Sir Alex Ferguson, Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho spring to mind.

But a topic that is always open to debate, with all things considered, has to be what the greatest starting 11 in the league’s history is.

We’re basing our findings on trophies, longevity and, above all, genuine footballing ability. So, with this, here’s the greatest Premier League XI of all time.

GK – Peter Schmeichel

Premier League record

• Appearances: 310
• Clean sheets: 128
• Goals: 1
• Assists: 3

The big Dane in Peter Schmeichel kicks us off. He was an absolute monster of a goalkeeper for Manchester United.

Peter was a goalkeeper that simply filled the net, and was a master of commanding his box, alongside pulling off some remarkable, often game-winning saves.

Schmeichel won five Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and the Champions League with the Red Devils, and just pips Petr Cech to our top spot.

RB – Gary Neville

Premier League Record

• Appearances: 400
• Goals: 5
• Assists: 35
• Clean sheets: 148

A man who often understates his own footballing career, Gary Neville has the title of the greatest right-back to ever grace the Premier League.

Neville spent his entire career with United under Alex Ferguson, and even without all the trophies, has to be included for sheer longevity alone.

During his time at Old Trafford, eight Premier League titles and two UEFA Champions League titles.

CB – Nemanja Vidic

Premier League Record

• Appearances: 211
• Goals: 15
• Assists: 3
• Clean sheets: 95

It’s becoming quite Manchester United-heavy here – but Nemanja Vidic has to take one of the centre-back slots.

The Serbian is one of the scariest footballers to ever grace the game. The phrase ‘rock at the back’ definitely epitomises his play style.

Vidic won five Premier League titles, three Football League Cups, five FA Community Shields, the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Champions League at United, and was captain for four years. A leader and a warrior – Vidic was dynamite.

CB – Virgil van Dijk

Premier League Record

• Appearances: 285
• Goals: 23
• Assists: 8
• Clean sheets: 111

The first of the ‘modern-day Premier League era’, Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk partners Vidic at the back.

John Terry will feel hard done by, given his accolades and longevity, but Van Dijk’s footballing prowess simply has to see him included.

He transformed Liverpool and got them back into the big time – which means he has to be in our starting XI.

LB – Ashley Cole

Premier League Record

• Appearances: 385
• Goals: 15
• Assists: 31
• Clean sheets: 147

To round off the defenders, there simply may be no better left-back to grace the Premier League than Ashley Cole.

Cole won the league twice with Arsenal, infamously part of the ‘invincibles’ side under Wenger in 2003-04, with the former England international integral to the Gunners’ successes.

He later moved to Chelsea, where he would win the FA Cup and the League Cup – and the Premier League again, all the while cementing himself as the finest left-back ever to play English top-flight football.

CM – Paul Scholes

Premier League Record

• Appearances: 499
• Goals: 107
• Assists: 55
• Wins: 321

An absolute mastermind of a passer is our first midfielder, it’s up for debate, but we think Paul Scholes trumps Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard for multiple reasons.

Scholes was a staple in the Manchester United side that simply couldn’t stop winning in the Premier League, and is highly regarded by sporting greats as one of the best midfielders to grace the pitch.

Scholes won a ludicrous 25 major trophies with Manchester United, including 11 Premier League titles, two Champions League titles (1999, 2008), three FA Cups, two League Cups, five Community Shields, one Intercontinental Cup, and a FIFA Club World Cup.

CM – Roy Keane

Premier League Record

• Appearances: 366
• Goals: 39
• Assists: 33
• Wins: 220

No midfield is complete without a captain, and there is arguably none better in Premier League history than Roy Keane.

Keane really had it all. He could tackle, pass, drive forward – but it was his no-nonsense attitude that one of the greatest Premier League managers, Sir Alex Ferguson loved.

Keane won numerous trophies with Manchester United, including seven Premier League titles (1993–94, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03), four FA Cups (1993–94, 1995–96, 1998–99, 2003–04), the UEFA Champions League (1998–99), and the Intercontinental Cup (1999).

CM – Patrick Vieira

Premier League Record

• Appearances: 307
• Goals: 31
• Assists: 34
• Wins: 186

Alongside Keane, let’s have his fiercest competitor to make up the best Premier League midfield of all time – Patrick Vieira takes our final slot.

Captain of the Arsenal invincibles, Vieira was another who could do it all on the football pitch. He was the driving force behind Arsene Wenger’s side and was a major catalyst to the Gunners’ successes.

Vieira won multiple major trophies during his time at Arsenal, including three Premier League titles (1997–98, 2001–02, 2003–04) and four FA Cups (1998, 2002, 2003, 2005).

RW – Cristiano Ronaldo

Premier League Record

• Appearances: 236
• Goals: 103
• Assists: 37
• Wins: 152

How can you not include a player like Cristiano Ronaldo? Although his stint in the Premier League was not among the peak of his illustrious career, his undeniable raw talent has him included alone.

The Portuguese winger announced himself to the world at Manchester United – and the rest is history.

He has three Premier League titles, a Champions League, an FA Cup, two League Cups, and the FIFA Club World Cup to his name for the Red Devils.

ST – Alan Shearer

Premier League Record

• Appearances: 441
• Goals: 260
• Assists: 64
• Wins: 441

The most prolific Premier League player of all time has to lead the line, and that’s Alan Shearer.

Shearer only won England’s top flight once at Blackburn but was arguably the most feared striker in the world during his time at Newcastle United.

An expert in front of goal, despite the insane goal-scorers who grace the league, is not better than Shearer.

LW – Thierry Henry

Premier League Record

• Appearances: 258
• Goals: 260
• Assists: 64
• Wins: 441

Dubbed by many as the most talented player to ever play in the division, we’ve squeezed Thierry Henry in at left wing.

He won two league titles and three FA Cups with the Gunners – dazzling defences all the while for Arsenal during his 10 years at the club.

More impressively, he won the Golden Boot on four separate occasions, and the PFL Player of the Season twice. A true legend, and a fitting way to cap off our list.

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"All day"... Thierry Henry is dead certain on who is the better player - Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 12, 2025 / comment : 0 HITC, news

As we move on from the Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo era, a new rivalry between Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe has taken centre stage.

The Manchester City and Real Madrid strikers are widely viewed as the next great footballing superstars.

Both have dominated Europe in recent years, leading their clubs to silverware and breaking various records along the way.

Moments before Real Madrid edged past Pep Guardiola’s side in a dramatic UEFA Champions League showdown, Henry was asked to choose between Haaland and Mbappe.

Thierry Henry believes Kylian Mbappe has more to his game than Erling Haaland

Haaland scored twice for Man City, but Real Madrid responded each time. Brahim Diaz and Mbappe pulled the visitors level before Jude Bellingham’s late winner claimed the first leg of the tie.

While both players rose to the occasion, Henry believes Mbappe’s versatility gives him the edge over his Norwegian competitor.

Speaking on CBS Golazo before kick-off at the Etihad Stadium, Henry made his stance clear regarding which player he would prefer to coach.

Henry said: “Mbappe, all day. Because he does or offers different options. For a coach, he can play on the right, he can play on the left, and he can play in the middle. Can Haaland play any position other than a nine?”

Henry’s comments may push the City striker to respond in his own way. Haaland has previously pointed out when pundits got it ‘wrong’.

Haaland vs Mbappe: What do the numbers say

While versatility is important, goals ultimately define a striker.

Both Mbappe and Haaland have been prolific in front of goal however which striker has the edge? Let’s take a look at their professional statistics below.

	Kylian Mbappe	Erling Haaland
Club	307 goals in 404 games	251 goals in 298 games
Country	48 goals in 86 games	38 goals in 39 games

Mbappe joined Madrid after years of speculation in a high-profile transfer at the beginning of the season. Now, he’s proving exactly why they made him their priority. He has scored 10 goals in his last nine matches for the club.

To add to the drama, this rivalry could soon move to La Liga as Barcelona are keen on signing Haaland.

Henry’s words will only add to the debate. One thing’s for sure, both Mbappe and Haaland are generational talents at the top of their game.

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