Many had hoped that Norway might start the FA Cup semi-final on the bench, but it was Norway’s duel against Sander Berge from the start at Wembley.

A duel that ended in a landslide victory for Manchester City – even without Haaland’s goal.

The Norwegian has 48 goals so far this season and in his regular column together Time described the Manchester United legend Haaland in very flattering words.

“Erling Haaland is the best player in the world right now. Lionel Messi is the greatest, but nowadays no one plays better than one player – even if I break several records myself – which blows my mind at the level he will reach,” he wrote. Rooney according to NTB.

– This is something raw

The former striker himself has had a goal-rich career, and believes Haaland should win the Ballon d’Or.

“If you look at who’s going to win the Ballon d’Or, it’s definitely him, as long as he continues to put in this kind of performance.”

Additionally, he highlighted how he perceives the 22-year-old to be different.

“One thing I like about him is how different he is from other modern players. Everyone wants the ball at their feet these days but he just wants to run and use his strength to break free. There is something raw about the way he plays,” Rooney continued.

Did not get a penalty opportunity

However, in the semi-final against Sheffield United, he was a bit invisible, and it was Riyad Mahrez who became the big hero with his hat-trick. Haaland once put the ball in the net, but the long-range shot from 25 meters was called off because the referee thought it was a free kick up front.

When City received a penalty on the eve of the first half, after a bit of back and forth Mahrez left, while Haaland, who had missed a spot-kick in the previous game, surprisingly only had to watch the lead become a fact.

– For people wondering why Haaland didn’t take it, here’s why. The general rule is if you miss one, you lost and someone is waiting for it. Even Haaland has to be part of the team. Team comes first, trust me BBCLeon Osman expert.

– The first penalty was Erling, but then he missed. Mahrez became a mainstay. I think it will be Erling again against Arsenal, but Mahrez is also not certain to start in the starting eleven. But Erling is the best, says Jan Åge Fjørtoft at Viasat studios.

Haaland was rested after 66 minutes given the top flight against Arsenal next Wednesday. At that time he had only 12 touches on the ball and one shot off the mark. After the match, he talked with his colleagues in the national team.

– It goes in a little bit of everything. He’s one of my best friends, so it’s fun to play against him even if the result is like that. It’s great to share events like this with him, Sander Berge told Viasat.

• On Sunday, Manchester United and Brighton meet in the FA Cup second semi-final.