RB Leipzig defender Willi Orban feels that Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland have different playing styles

There are often comparisons made between Bayern Munich talisman Robert Lewandowski and Borussia Dortmund star marksman Erling Haaland. Recently in an interview, RB Leipzig defender Willi Orban gave his views on both the players and claimed both of them to be at the same level but he also added how their playing styles are different.

Despite his injury layoff Lewandowski has been on fire this season netting 39 goals in the league and helping Bayern win the Bundesliga again. Whereas the Norweigian youngster has scored 25 goals this season and he too has missed several matches due to injury concerns.

“Haaland’s greatest strength is his force, his dynamic when it comes to running deep,” the centre-back told Goal and SPOX. “He is most dangerous when he lurks at the last line, challenges the ball and then sprints towards the goal.

“Lewandowski, on the other hand, has evolved into a floating striker. He no longer acts as a classic centre-forward. You saw that in the game against us,” Orban went on adding.

He then highlighted the difference in their playing style and said that though they are different they are at the same level of being world-class strikers. He continued, “As a defender, you have to follow Lewandowski. When playing against Haaland, you have to tackle him aggressively and secure the depth.

“In terms of their general quality, for me, they are both on the same level: world-class.”

Orban will be keen to face Haaland as Leipzig will go up against Dortmund in the DFB Pokal final. However, that also remains to be seen as the Norweigian has a niggle but should be fit ahead of the fixture.

It will be a momentous occasion for RB Leipzig and their current manager Julian Nagelsmann who is set to leave the club to join Bayern Munich replacing Hansi Flick. So Orban admits that it will be an emotional farewell on the departure of the 33-year old tactician. Hence the team is focused and they want to win the title for their manager.

“Julian and Oliver Mintzlaff informed us about this in the morning on the day the transfer was announced,” he said.

“We spoke briefly, but then trained as normal a little later. We knew that we would continue to work together for the time being and still had important games to play together.

“The emotionality will probably only come after the last game,” the veteran centre-back concluded.