Pep Guardiola compared Erling Haaland to Johan Cruyff and Zlatan Ibrahimovic after the prolific Norwegian's outrageous finish against his old club completed a dramatic turnaround as Manchester City defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola's side had looked to be heading for Champions League defeat when Jude Bellingham headed Dortmund in front early in the second half but John Stones levelled it late on from distance before Haaland had the final say with his measured volley from Joao Cancelo's inviting outside-of-the-boot cross.
Man City, who stay top of Group G with maximum points from their two matches, had been below par for much of the match - Stones' shot in the 80th minute was their first on target all evening - but with Haaland in the team there is always that threat.
It was Haaland's 13th goal in just nine appearances since his summer move to City from Dortmund.
City manager Guardiola, who played under Dutch great Cruyff at Barcelona, said: "Maybe the people who know me know the influence of Johan Cruyff in my life as a person, a mentor, a manager.
"Years ago, he scored in Camp Nou an incredible goal versus Atletico Madrid.
It was quite similar today with Haaland and the moment he scored it I thought, 'Johan Cruyff'. It was quite similar.
"It was a really good one and the assist from Joao was exceptional."
If that comparison was not favourable enough, Guardiola also felt Haaland reminded him of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
He said: "I remember my dear friend Ibrahimovic had this ability to put the leg on the roof and Erling is quite similar on that.
"I think it is his nature. He is elastic, he is flexible and has the ability to make the contact and put the ball in the net."
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