Arsenal legend Liam Brady has talked up the athleticism of Erling Haaland, following his goal against Everton on Saturday.
The Norwegian scored once again for Manchester City, taking his tally to 52 in all competitions for the season.
His was the second of the afternoon, after Ilkay Gundogan had given the visitors the lead in beautiful fashion.
Gundogan crossed from the left side and Haaland rose brilliantly to power home his header, which was too hot to handle for Jordan Pickford.
Gundogan then added a third for City in the second-half, on what was a pretty comfortable afternoon.
No one is really talking about Haaland’s goal against Everton because of how good both of Gundogan’s were.
But it was impressively taken by the big man, and Brady was really impressed with the athleticism he showed.
The former striker said on The Stand with Eamon Dunphy: “Just look at the goals he’s scored. Even his goal yesterday, the height he jumped. He was way above anybody there. The athleticism is 10 out of 10. His game understanding I think is very high.”
But Brady did suggest one thing that Haaland isn’t quite so brilliant at.
“He’s not the most skilful lad”, he added. “He’s not one of those strikers who’ll get the ball down and dribble on his own or around people and score goals. But if you give him the chances, he’s going to finish them. He’s an absolutely brilliant finisher.”
Erling Haaland doesn’t need to be skilful, that will come with time at Manchester City
Haaland simply doesn’t need to be a skilful player given all his other amazing attributes.
The main thing is that he is there in the box to gobble up the many chances City create in games.
The technical side of his game will no doubt improve though as he gets older. His focus right now is to be the clinical goalscorer City need him to be.
Over time at City, Haaland’s dribbling ability and the technical attributes will improve. That is a natural by-product of being surrounded by world-class players and coaches.
But Haaland’s athleticism is certainly 10 out of 10, as Brady says. We have seen a few times already his ability to get to balls other players would get nowhere near. Such as the bicycle kick against Southampton and the high-foot volley against Borussia Dortmund.
