Photo via Sky Sports

Esteve hoping for Champions League debut – and Haaland reunion

RB Leipzig defender Maxime Esteve is eager to make his tournament debut and potentially cross paths with Manchester City once again. Last year during his stint at Burnley, the French centre-back accidentally netted two own goals at the Etihad Stadium against the English side, a mishap he humorously kept hidden from his current colleagues.

Scott Parker, his manager at the time, reviewed the footage with him the following Monday to reassure him and highlight his positive contributions. Looking ahead to another possible meeting with Erling Haaland, Esteve regards the Norwegian forward as the top striker globally, praising his physical strength, aerial ability, and speed.

Facing such an opponent requires careful tactical handling, as defenders must choose between staying close to him in tight spaces or bracing for aerial balls sent toward the back post.

Up nextFootball· 1d ago

Real Madrid very excited about 15-year-old Haaland-like academy striker with 148 goals