Josko Gvardiol says he fails to understand how Erling Haaland can turn a game on its head after having a seemingly quiet game.
In a press conference (via Manchester Evening News journalist Joe Bray) ahead of Manchester City’s upcoming clash against RB Leipzig, the 21-year-old was quizzed about his thoughts on Haaland.
The youngster’s international and club teammate, Mateo Kovacic also noted how the Norwegian has a knack for turning up in the biggest moments.
Josko Gvardiol says he does not “understand” how Erling Haaland is as decisive as he is
Charlie Adam also said that the 23-year-old is just simply “unbelievable” after he bagged yet another goal in City’s 1-1 draw against Liverpool after a typically peripheral start to the game for him.
Now, Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol has said that it continues to surprise him to see how Erling Haaland can fire his team to glory out of nowhere after seeming like an anonymous figure for much of the game.
“Erling is…at the beginning of the game, he is nowhere, then he turns up and scores a hat-trick. What he’s done, I don’t understand how but I enjoy him”, Gvardiol said, as quoted by Manchester Evening News journalist Joe Bray.
Stefan Ortega also had a similar take about the Leeds-born hitman, admitting that while he may not be the “best footballer” at the club from an all-round perspective, his eye for goal is one of one.
Erling Haaland shares this trait with every other elite striker
Josko Gvardiol, like many has been taken aback by how Erling Haaland manages to come up trumps after looking like an isolated figure up front in several games.
However, this very trait is what makes any striker elite.
Ultimately, a No.9’s job is to be at the right place at the right time to put the ball past the opposition goalkeeper.
But that is easier said than done as a striker’s performance is heavily reliant on the service they get.
Why Erling Haaland is elite is because he lives up to the impending doom that he brings by capitalising on any potential opportunities in front of goal to emerge as Manchester City’s difference-maker.
While the likes of Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez possessed different profiles to the treble-winner, they also shared this trait, which made them a threat to any defence they came up against.
