Football

Lampard Reflects on Missed Opportunity: Haaland’s Potential Move to Chelsea

May 20, 2023 3:34 pm

In a season of sheer dominance, Erling Haaland has spearheaded Manchester City’s relentless charge towards a historic treble. The Norwegian striker has been nothing short of sensational, finding the back of the net an astounding 52 times in just 49 appearances during the 2022/23 campaign.

As City sit comfortably atop the Premier League points table, Haaland’s exceptional goal-scoring prowess has played a pivotal role. They are in the finals of both the FA Cup and the illustrious Champions League.

With the treble within their sights, Haaland’s incredible form has undoubtedly established him as a force to be reckoned with and a key catalyst in City’s pursuit of footballing glory. Chelsea are in their crosshairs and prepare to face Manchester City in the penultimate fixture of the campaign.

Despite a staggering €600 million investment in the 2022/23 campaign, the Blues have been outscored by Haaland alone, who has displayed an astonishing goal-scoring prowess. With fewer games under his belt, the Norwegian sensation has found the back of the net more times than the entire Chelsea squad.

Chelsea’s Missed Opportunity to Sign Haaland

Frank Lampard’s admiration for  Haaland is evident as he praised the Norwegian striker’s impressive achievements ahead of their crunch encounter. The Chelsea legend expressed his huge respect for Haaland and highlighted his unsuccessful attempt to bring him to Chelsea during his previous tenure.

He recalled their pre-season encounter against Haaland when he was with RB Salzburg, one that left Lampard marvelling at his fantastic performance. In a City side that has seen the Norwegian reach another gear, Lampard acknowledges the challenge of dealing with him in a Citizen shirt.

“It’s a fantastic stat from him, I know the Chelsea side of it is another story. I have huge respect for the player – he is a player I tried to bring to Chelsea the first time I was here. I was really keen to get him here, obviously, it couldn’t happen but his level at that point was very clear as well.

“We played against him in a pre-season game at Salzburg and he was fantastic. Credit to him, I love seeing players at that level and with that personality and hunger to be the best, which he has proved himself to be.

“In terms of dealing with him you obviously have to have a plan – players at that level can make anything happen at any level so you have to be at your best to try to negate the things he does.”

Haaland’s Impact Has Been Bigger Than Drogba

During Frank Lampard’s tenure at Chelsea, the former manager had expressed a strong desire to bring Haaland to the club. With Lampard’s admiration for the Norwegian striker evident, it raises intriguing speculation about what could have been for Chelsea had they acted on his advice.

As Chelsea now prepares to face Haaland’s current team, Manchester City, the significance of that missed opportunity lingers in the minds of Chelsea supporters, wondering how the dynamic would have shifted had Haaland donned the iconic blue jersey under Lampard’s guidance.

There are distinct qualities that liken him to Didier Drogba but Lampard does not want to draw a direct comparison between the two. Drogba had a significant impact over a sustained period at Chelsea, while Haaland’s instant impact in the Premier League is a testament to his exceptional abilities.

“I couldn’t compare him to Didier because they are two different individuals in different moments at their clubs but of course, as a Chelsea person Didier had that impact over a long period of time and Haaland has just started out.

“He has perhaps been more instant and that is a big credit to him, doing that coming straight into the Premier League – some people doubted that a little bit,” Lampard remarked. “He has proven that but Didier over a sustained period did huge things for this club. I don’t think there is a direct comparison but they are both obviously great strikers.”

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