Pundits are known to make bold comments about players at every club, including some of the best of the best in the Premier League at Manchester City.
For instance, Paul Merson apologised for his claim about Kevin De Bruyne being an overpriced and unnecessary signing for City in 2015.
But even when players are at the Etihad Stadium and playing their best football, they receive a lot of stick.
In November 2020, Kevin De Bruyne defended Kyle Walker via Sky Sports after Roy Keane described the English right-back as an “idiot” for conceding a penalty in a 1-1 draw against Liverpool.
During the 2019/2020 season, Walker was one of the best players in the world in his position.
Furthermore, the former Tottenham Hotspur speedster had already won successive Premier League titles at City as well.
Yet, the Manchester City defender was slammed by one of the most prominent pundits in the footballing landscape in Keane.
Mikel claims pundit must be “eating his words” about Erling Haaland
In March, Roy Keane compared Erling Haaland to a “League Two player” as he was unimpressed by his all-round game in City’s 0-0 draw against Arsenal.
Pep Guardiola disagreed with Keane’s comments about Haaland, describing him as “the best striker in the world.”
Chris Sutton also claimed Keane’s claim about Haaland was “over the top” and “ridiculous.”
At the time as well, it seemed like the Manchester United legend was in the minority about his opinion on the £375,000-a-week man.
Now, John Obi Mikel has also claimed that Roy Keane was absolutely incorrect about his comments on Haaland after his hat-trick in Manchester City’s 4-1 thrashing of Ipswich Town.
The retired midfielder said on The Obi One Podcast: “And he’s only what, 24?”
“My God.”
“It’s unbelievable. He’s a machine. He’s a killer.”
The former Chelsea dynamo continued: “I think, whatever anyone says about Erling Haaland right now, whoever says that is just a hater. He’s a hater.”
“I think also Roy Keane, who said whatever he said right now must be eating his words because sometimes, you do not need a player who is technically brilliant.”
“His job, he was brought into this City side to do what, score goals. That’s what he’s done since he’s arrived at the club, that’s what he’s done and he’s been absolutely fantastic, he’s a machine.”
John Obi Mikel is right about Roy Keane being wrong about Haaland
As John Obi Mikel stated, one of the main reasons why Roy Keane’s analysis of Haaland was bizarre is due to the fact that not every player must be a technical phenom to be classed as a world-class stalwart.
The Norwegian was brought into this Manchester City side to make up for their absence of an elite finisher up front.
Since joining City, Haaland has arguably been the most impactful player in world football.
While the 24-year-old has areas he can certainly improve in his game, as is visible even in his first two Premier League outings, he looks far tidier in possession than last season.
Pep Guardiola revealed that Haaland was nursing niggles throughout the previous campaign and now, he feels “sharper.”
As Haaland looks set to have a special season, Mikel’s claim on Keane “eating his words” could ring true as the star striker continues to dominate English football.
The Leeds-born phenomenon will be hoping to make a mockery of the high-profile pundit’s claim as well.
