Erling Haaland has been unstoppable since joining Manchester City. The Norwegian striker has shattered records, scoring an incredible 75 goals in just 79 Premier League appearances.
His performances have helped City to huge success in recent seasons, including a famous treble in 2022/23. Even this season, Haaland has remained a regular source of goals amid his team's worrying run of form, with the 24-year-old leading the scoring charts ahead of Liverpool's Mohamed Salah.
Yet not everyone is convinced. Former Tottenham and Real Madrid player Rafael van der Vaart has shared a controversial opinion about Haaland's place among football's elite.
What Rafael van der Vaart said about Erling Haaland
Speaking on The LineUp (via BetMGM), Van der Vaart suggested Haaland lacks the qualities of a world-class striker. "Take away his pace, and I see a normal player," he said.
The Dutchman added that Haaland's technique falls short compared to legends like Ruud van Nistelrooy, with whom he once played.
Van der Vaart further said: "Technique-wise, he's not good enough and he can get away with it when City are on form, but not when they're struggling. I just think he's missing something that those top, top strikers have. I might get criticised for that opinion, but I don't see him at the same level as the top strikers I played with, like Ruud van Nistelrooy."
The former Premier League star believes Haaland's success depends heavily on City's form. When the team struggles, Haaland's impact fades.
"He's not at the same level as the top strikers I've played with," Van der Vaart remarked as he pointed out Haaland's limited involvement in build-up play.
"Manchester City need Erling Haaland at the moment, but where is he? That's why he's not among that select few world-class strikers."
Van der Vaart identifies City's bigger problems
Van der Vaart didn't stop at Haaland. He criticized City's recent performances, calling the team "tired" and in need of a rebuild.
"The intensity they've shown under Pep Guardiola for years is gone," he said, citing Kevin De Bruyne's struggles as an example.
With City winless in seven matches and Haaland having scored only twice in his past eight league games, the pressure is mounting. Guardiola's side face Nottingham Forest next, desperate to end their slump.
blogpay
Erling Haaland has been unstoppable since joining Manchester City. The Norwegian striker has shattered records, scoring an incredible 75 goals in just 79 Premier League appearances.
Total Comments: 0