Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has voiced his frustration over the ongoing comparisons between Manchester City goal machine Erling Haaland and Liverpool’s new record-breaking signing Alexander Isak. With both players making headlines for different reasons, Henry insists the two strikers play vastly different roles—and shouldn’t be stacked up against one another.
Henry Frustrated by Comparisons
Speaking on CBS Sports during Champions League coverage, Henry shut down an attempt by Micah Richards to spark a debate over who is the better striker between Haaland and Isak. Richards labeled Isak the best striker in the Premier League “apart from Haaland,” prompting Henry to respond bluntly: “They’re different players.”
Henry elaborated on why comparisons between the two don’t make sense. “There’s one guy who can play on the left and the right, and then you have a goal-machine who lives in the box,” he said. “In my day, in a 4-4-2, it would have been brilliant to have them both, but they’re completely different types of forwards.”
Isak Joins Liverpool in Record-Breaking Deal
Isak’s move to Liverpool from Newcastle United for a British-record £135 million on deadline day has set high expectations. The Swedish international brought with him an impressive tally of 62 goals and 11 assists in 109 appearances for Newcastle, and fans are eager to see him flourish alongside fellow big-money arrival Florian Wirtz, who joined the Reds for £100 million.
While Wirtz is still finding his feet after five appearances, Isak made his Liverpool debut in a Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid. Despite the pressure, Liverpool is banking on his versatility and attacking flair to add a new dimension to their forward line.
Haaland Continues His Dominance
Meanwhile, Erling Haaland continues to break records with ease. The Norwegian striker recently netted his 50th Champions League goal in just his 49th appearance—a staggering feat as Manchester City defeated Serie A champions Napoli.
Haaland’s overall numbers are even more astonishing: 267 goals in 338 senior club appearances and 48 goals in just 45 international matches for Norway. With a resume like that, it’s no surprise he’s widely considered one of the best players in world football.
Yet despite his obvious superiority in numbers, Henry maintains that drawing parallels between Haaland and Isak misses the point. “I get annoyed when people compare an in-and-out striker with a guy who moves around,” he said. “You can’t compare them because they’re two different players.”
Henry Tips Dembele for Ballon d’Or Glory
Shifting focus from the Premier League to the global stage, Henry revealed his pick for the Ballon d’Or—and it’s not from his former club, Barcelona. Instead, he’s backing his fellow Frenchman Ousmane Dembele, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain.
Dembele, who lifted four titles last season, believes he’s earned the right to be in the Ballon d’Or conversation. “For an individual trophy, there’s nothing better for a footballer,” said the winger. “When you see all the legends who have won it, it’s exceptional.”
Henry seems to agree, placing his support firmly behind the PSG star over rising talents like Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.
