Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst has talked up the ability of powerhouse striker Erling Braut Haaland – as Dortmund boss Marco Rose rules him out of the Europa League clash.
One of European football’s most sought-after assets, even at 21 the Norwegian striker is one of the leading strikers in the game but will miss the clash with a muscle problem.
Speaking ahead of the game, Dortmund boss Marco Rose confirmed that Erling Haaland is “not an option” against Rangers.
Linked to the likes of Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid and just about every elite club in world football, ex-Salzburg star Haaland is said to have a £65m release clause come the summer – a bargain in today’s terms.
A powerful forward with a lethal goalscoring instinct, since signing for Borussia Dortmund in the January of 2020 Haaland has scored a remarkable 80 goals in 79 games, laying on 21 assists for good measure.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Giovanni van Bronckhorst responded directly to questions about the absence of the Dortmund phenom.
“Everyone recognises the talent he has, he is one of the top strikers in the world,” Van Bronckhorst told the press pre-match [Rangers].
“But Dortmund have been playing without him for weeks, so for me it is just about preparing for the players we will face.
“He is almost back to play, but it looks like he is not in the squad for Thursday.”
Rangers boss van Bronckhorst tips Erling Haaland for Dortmund exit door
The Ibrox manager also expanded on these comments to ESPN and claimed that Dortmund star Haaland is on the same level as £165.7m PSG wonderkid Kylian Mbappe.
van Bronckhorst also tipped Haaland for the Dortmund exit door this summer.
“I think he’s one of the top strikers in the world,” said Van Bronckhorst. “He is very in-demand with all the top clubs in Europe, so it looks like he will be moving in the summer.
“His quality is there for everyone to see. He’s struggling a little bit with injuries, but we also relish the thought of playing against him. A good player for Dortmund, a player who’s very strong, can make goals quite easy with the chances he has. A great player.
“You see Mbappe always as a threat in front of goal, and I think Haaland is the same, you never want him out of your sight because he will be very lethal and dangerous in front of goal.
“So yes, he’s definitely a player who can change the game, or can decide games. I think very few players are capable in doing that, but he’s definitely one of them.”
Whilst the clash between Rangers and Dortmund loses something for the player not being available at the Westfalenstadion, it’s clearly an advantage for the Ibrox side even if BVB are still a squad full of attacking talent.
It promises to be a special match for Rangers and Dortmund fans and Ibrox supporters have already been leaving their mark in the famous Signal Iduna Park.