BREAKING NEWS: “He’s built different — I wish he played for City!” — Erling Haaland Names Lisandro Martínez as the Best Player in the League

Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland has singled out Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez for special praise, describing him as the standout player he has faced this season.

The Norwegian goal machine admitted that while City have dominated most opponents, the Argentine centre-back left a lasting impression on him.

“He’s built different”

Speaking after a recent match, Haaland was full of admiration:

“I have played against top players this season and we dominated them, but you see this particular Man United player… He’s built different. I wish he plays for City.”

Haaland named Lisandro Martínez as the best player in the Premier League right now, highlighting his aggression, leadership, reading of the game, and physical battles.

Rare cross-rivalry respect

For a Manchester City player to publicly praise a Manchester United star — especially one as combative as Martínez — is extremely rare. Haaland’s comments show the immense respect “Licha” has earned across the league.

Fan reactions

Manchester United fans have gone wild on social media, loving the indirect validation from their biggest rival. Many are calling it proof of Martínez’s world-class status, with #LichaBestInTheLeague trending.

City fans are split — some jokingly asking to sign him, while others admit he’s a nightmare to play against.

What happens next?

This high praise is likely to boost Lisandro Martínez’s confidence even further as he continues to anchor United’s defence. It also adds to the growing narrative that the Argentine is one of the Premier League’s top defenders.

A massive compliment

Erling Haaland rarely hands out praise like this. Naming Lisandro Martínez as the best player in the league and wishing he played for City is the ultimate respect from one of football’s deadliest strikers.

This is massive. 🔥

Stay tuned.