Haaland praises strong Bassey

File copy: Calvin Bassey

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Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has praised Fulham defender Calvin Bassey’s physical strength, describing him as one of the players who make the English Premier League tough to play in, and the Norwegian enjoys the contest.

The Norwegian striker made the comments while speaking on the Rest is Football podcast with Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer.

Haaland, who became the quickest player to score 100 goals in the Premier League after achieving the feat in 112 games, revealed that the physicality of defenders like Bassey is what makes the English top-flight so highly revered.

“It’s not easy (playing in the Premier League). It’s hard, it’s very hard. Coming from Germany, here, it’s different; it’s more physical,” the former Borussia Dortmund striker said.

“It’s more about duels, about contact. Even playing against Fulham, that’s a top team. Look at the game, it’s 5-4 in the end.

“It’s incredible. When you play against Bassey, you know. How strong is he?

“Then you have Andersen, who’s huge. Every game comes with its perks, even though you have your own plans. In the end, the physicality is intense because you also have so many games.”

“That also means you have to work more on the recovery side and be ready for the next game,” the Norwegian concluded.

The 25-year-old joined Pep Guardiola’s men in 2022 and has gone on to achieve exploits in the English top-flight, winning two Premier League titles with the Blue side of Manchester.

Bassey had previously mentioned in an interview that Haaland possesses immense strength, likening him to his countryman Victor Osimhen.

Peter, who has been covering sports for PUNCH for close to two years, focuses on combat sports reporting, special features and human angle stories

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