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“Has to improve”: Erling Haaland in the game against Arsenal
Photo:
Carl Recine / REUTERS
In terms of sport, the top game in the English Premier League did not end in the spirit of star striker Erling Haarland. In the 0-0 draw against Arsenal, his club Manchester City may have missed important points in the championship race. He himself waited in vain for useful assists in the penalty area. And then he was exposed to verbal attacks after the game.
Former world-class player Roy Keane was once known for his tough tackles. After the unsuccessful encounter against Arsenal, the Irishman, now a TV expert on Sky Sports, chose harsh words for Haaland's performance.
»The level of his game is so poor. Not just today,” complained Keane after the top game between Manchester City and Arsenal FC. “He's the best in the world in front of goal,” said Keane, “but his general game is poor for a player like that. He has to improve there. He is almost like a player from League Two (English fourth division, editor). That’s how I see him.”
Basically, Haaland is a “brilliant, fantastic striker,” added Keane. But he has to continue to work hard on himself and will certainly improve his weaknesses "in the next few years," said the 52-year-old.
In fact, City attacker Haaland was signed off by Arsenal's defensive duo William Saliba and Gabriel. In the last five competitive games for Manchester and Norway he remained without a goal, and in the last four Premier League games he has only scored once.
Keane and the Haaland family have a special story in common: the former Manchester United captain once committed a bad foul on then City professional Alf-Inge Haaland – Erling's father. He had described him as an actor after a game four years earlier when Keane tore his cruciate ligament while tackling Haaland.
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