‘Ronaldo was something different’ – Italy legend Nesta says Haaland would be no problem for him after facing Brazil icon

ITALY legend Alessandro Nesta believes he would be able to stop Erling Haaland if he played against him.

The former AC Milan defender came up against some of the best strikers of the past few decades.

Reuters

Erling Haaland scored his 20th goal of the season against Southampton[/caption]

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Alessandro Nesta came up against some of the world’s best in his career[/caption]

And Nesta believes his experience playing against the likes of Brazilian Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo means Haaland would be no match for him.

Asked if he could stop the Manchester City star, Nesta told COPA90: “I can play, yes! Because I played against Ronaldo, the Brazilian.

“Haaland is very good, but the other one [Ronaldo] was something different.

“I played against Messi, against Cristiano, but the Brazilian Ronaldo, for me, was different.”

Not many Premier League defenders have been able to stop Haaland with the striker scoring in eight out of nine matches.

But Nesta thinks he has the answer.

The World Cup winner was questioned about how he would deal with the Norwegian.

Nesta replied: “I try to stay close to him. When he tries to start [running], maybe I block [him].

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“Too much space – you are dead!”

Bournemouth are the only Premier League team to stop Haaland, who scored his 20th goal of the season against Southampton today.

He has now scored in ten consecutive matches with fans joking that he endured a “slump” after taking more than an hour to notch against the Saints.

Haaland has broken several Prem records in his short time at City and now has 15 goals in just nine league games.