Roy Keane has previously described Erling Haaland as a player who maintains a technical level in the English fourth division. When Keane speaks about a Haaland, everyone knows there is a story behind it, but several “experts” have criticized Haaland for the job he does not do outside the penalty area. This has changed this season. Now, Haaland is not content with scoring (29 goals in 38 games), but he is so involved in tackles, breaks, passes and duels. Tough Wayne Rooney was just as fearless as Haaland in the world’s toughest league, but what the United legend is now seeing in the City striker is downright frighteningly good.
Against Newcastle, where Manchester City fought their way to a 2-1 victory in a tough game at the Etihad, Haaland did not get on the scoresheet, but still played one of the main roles. He won 12 duels, more than in any other game in his career, while also clearing the most balls of any City player and receiving more touches (43) than he had done in any previous Premier League game.
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Wayne Rooney was deeply impressed from his commentary position on “Match of the Day”.
-He was all over the field. He adapts his game a bit. He will be more of an all-round centre-forward, rather than just a goalscorer. Defensively, when you need him, back in his own box, strong, powerful, Rooney boasts of Haaland.
-At the last minute, the last kick of the game, the ball comes into the sixteen-meter, he’s there, great header out. Normally with Haaland, you would see his heat map, and it would be central, right around the sixteen-metre mark. Now he was everywhere. He finds new things in his game, which is a scary thought,” Rooney concludes.
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A terrifying thought we love, Wayne!
