Erling Haaland is no longer the same “animal” he was last season at Manchester City. Former defender William Gallas believes the striker’s game has changed.
After a stunning debut season with City, Haaland has been criticized for some of his performances this season, despite scoring 29 goals in 33 appearances for the reigning European and English champions. Gallas believes he doesn’t have the same fear factor as he does in 2022-23.
“I don’t think Erling Haaaland is the same. His game, his way of running, his desire, it’s not the same as the all-conquering Haaland we saw at Manchester City last year,” said Gallas, a former Arsenal player, at Genting Casino. “Last season he was running and fighting for every ball – he was tiring defenders because he was putting them under pressure with his physicality. The defenders were always on alert around him. »
Haaland has changed
“He came back from his injury and his game has changed. Is he still trying to get back up to speed after his injury? Maybe. There is something very different about Erling Haaland this year. If you compare him to last season, when he debuted in the Premier League, his physical game was completely different. He was fighting. He held the ball.”
Haaland scored 52 goals in 53 matches to help City win the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup. However, he was unable to make the difference in his team’s 1-1 draw with title contenders Liverpool last week, and Gallas believes the performance demonstrates the player’s change in playing style. 23 years old.
A need to breathe?
He adds : “He was an animal last season. The defenders were scared by his physique – he didn’t give them a second to breathe. He was running and fighting for every ball. For defenders, it’s very difficult to play against someone like him. In the match against Liverpool he had two direct duels with Virgil van Dijk and he lost them both. In one situation, he shot, but Kelleher easily pushed him away. »
“He might still be tired. He was away for a few months and, since his return, he has played almost every match for Manchester City. It’s normal to lose energy after spending time on the sidelines. Looks like he needs a breather right now.”
