Manchester City have signed a number of high-profile players over the last few years. But few have had an impact like Erling Haaland. The Norwegian is off to a flying start in this season as well, with six goals in five league appearances. The fans, as well as the manager, are thrilled with the striker.
However, it seems that not everyone is full of praise for Haaland. Wayne Rooney, who surely knows a thing or two about scoring goals, has recently opened up about how he feels about Haaland.
While the Manchester United legend does rate the Norwegian highly, he did share some criticism as well and pointed out one area the City striker must improve. Rooney spoke on Rio Ferdinand Presents youtube channel (via Manchester City News) and said:
“I do like watching Haaland but [what] also frustrates me as well…if you watch his movement in the six-yard box, it’s incredible. But you just want a little bit more.”
“I want him to be more commanding. Look at the size of him, physicality, he’s like a beast. He had that little scuffle, didn’t he with [Ben] Godfrey at Everton. I want to see more of that, just dominate the centre-back.”
Wayne Rooney shares why Erling Haaland frustrates him
At just 25 years of age, Haaland has already won a lot of accolades, including the Champions League trophy in his debut season with Manchester City. He has also been the top scorer in each campaign for Manchester City since he joined the club.
That said, what Rooney said cannot be ignored either. Haaland does have a huge advantage in terms of physicality and should use that more in attack whenever needed. Then again, as long as the Norwegian is scoring goals and winning games, one cannot complain too much about how he gets them.
Anyway, Manchester City continue their Premier League campaign against Burnley at home. Haaland is expected to start in that matchup, although there are still some doubts, with the striker having suffered a back injury against Arsenal.