Dimitar Berbatov: 'Haaland can be successor to Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo'

Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has tipped Erling Braut Haaland to carry on the legacies of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Norwegian striker has enjoyed a stellar start to life in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund, registering nine goals in seven league games for Lucien Favre's side since his arrival from RB Salzburg.

Berbatov, who scored over 200 goals throughout his professional career, is backing the 19-year-old to reach the same level of Messi and Ronaldo in years to come.

"He is such an exciting prospect and for me there is a fair chance that he can be the successor to Messi and Ronaldo, not only him but I also like Mbappe as well, he just makes fun of defenders," Berbatov wrote for Betfair.

"We need to hold our breath, hope these players stay healthy and continue to develop so that we can watch them for as long as possible at the top level."

Dortmund currently lie third in the Bundesliga table, four points behind leaders Bayern Munich.