Haaland hails Bassey in Premier League praise

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland says players like Calvin Bassey explain why the Premier League is “hard” and competitive. Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast with Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, the Norwegian highlighted the league’s physical edge.

Haaland joined City in 2022 and became the fastest player to score 100 league goals in 112 games. Yet he insists the challenge remains intense.

“It's not easy… it's very hard,” he said, adding the league is “more physical” and about “duels… contact.” Using Fulham as an example, Haaland said, “When you play against Bassey, you know. How strong is he?”

He also mentioned Joachim Andersen’s size and the packed schedule, concluding that “the physicality is intense… you have to work more on the recovery side.” Bassey has previously praised Haaland’s strength.