Leeds United full-back Gabriel Gudmundsson has named a Premier League star in the same breath as Lionel Messi when asked for his toughest opponent.
Gabriel Gudmundsson has been one of the few unqualified success stories of Leeds’ summer transfer business, having impressed since his move to the Premier League.
With Jaka Bijol relegated to the bench and Sebastiaan Bornauw still waiting for his first league start for the club, Gudmundsson has slotted in well on the left side of the defence under Daniel Farke.
However, Gudmundsson still has work to do, with Farke calling out Leeds’ weakness on the left-hand side, as a steady flow of goals has come down that side.
As Gudmundsson prepares for another difficult assignment against Manchester City, he has named the one Premier League opponent who holds a candle to Lionel Messi.
Prediction time for Leeds v Man City
Leeds United defender Gabriel Gudmundsson names his toughest opponent alongside Lionel Messi
Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds ahead of the game against Manchester City, Gudmundsson was asked to name the most difficult opponent he had faced in his career.
According to Gudmundsson, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka is the only player he has encountered in the Premier League to date who comes close to the Argentinian legend.
Gudmundsson said: “I guess so many good players. I can mention Messi when I was in France. But, obviously, in the Premier League so far, yeah, I would say Saka probably.”
Asked for the biggest lesson he has learned since joining the Premier League, he added: “The Premier League is really a spotlight. If I can explain it like that. I mean, every player is so good.
“The quality of the players in the league and the spotlight that the Premier League has is huge. So it’s really nice to be a part of that. Obviously, growing up watching the Premier League, it feels really good to be around this.”
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Erling Haaland is looking to make history against Leeds United
Gudmundsson endured a tough night against Saka, as Leeds fell to a 5-0 defeat against Arsenal, and he arguably faces an even bigger challenge this weekend.
Having been rested in the Champions League this week, Erling Haaland is expected to return to City’s starting line-up as Leeds’ back four look to keep the Premier League’s most dangerous striker quiet.
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Even more concerning for Leeds is the fact that Haaland has a milestone in his sights, as he comes into the game on 99 Premier League goals and is eyeing a place in the 100 club, according to the BBC.
Haaland has openly admitted his allegiance to Leeds in the past. As a result, he would surely love nothing more than to bring up his century of Premier League goals against Leeds.
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