German football expert Constantin Eckner believes Awoniyi shares similar traits to Manchester City’s Norwegian striker Erling Haaland.

Last season Awoniyi scored 15 goals to guide Union Berlin to a fifth place finish in the Bundesliga – only seven goals less than Haaland.

The Nigerian striker is now close moving to Nottingham Forest in a £17.5m deal.

Speaking about Awoniyi’s exploit in Bundesliga campaign last season, Eckner believes the player has come of age and really shared many traits with Haaland who recently completed a five-year move to the Etihad.

“I think he’s found his level there, he’s what you would call a utility player, so he is perfect for the role they’ve given him,” said Eckner.

“He works quite well for the Union Berlin system, which is also kind of direct, a lot of vertical passes, he makes a number of runs behind the backline.”

“In a way he reminds me of Erling Haaland with the runs he makes behind the line. Of course, he’s nowhere near the level of Erling Haaland, but just his style is somewhat similar, and he’s a good, not great poacher inside the box, he’s a decent finisher at least,” Eckner told BloodRed.