Haaland takes Manchester City project to new level

It’s remarkable to think now but, when Erling Haaland first arrived at Manchester City, Pep Guardiola had notions about making him more involved in play.

- MIGUEL DELANEY

The Catalan wanted to “complete” him as a player. Even Guardiola soon realised it was better to let him at it. Haaland isn’t seen as a particularly good trainer. He’s not like the relentless Kevin De Bruyne.

That changes, of course, when the ball gets to Haaland. The City players can’t get near him because they can’t get around him. From there, the Norwegian offers the kind of devastating finishing they can’t get over.

The City squad and staff are as awe-struck as the rest of us at Haaland’s truly unique marriage of physical power, athleticism and pure finesse. It is genuinely unlike anything that’s ever been seen in football before, a player without any sort of precedent. It says much that a regular comparison is Jonah Lomu, although it’s not like Haaland simply powers through defences. He usually beats them by subtlety and movement rather than muscularity.

That distinctiveness, to go with the destruction Haaland wreaks, has ensured everyone wants to watch him. That includes teammates and even opposition players. Gary Neville touched on something when he spoke of people needing to get toa stadium to see this superhuman”. Haaland, put short, is box office. Even Guardiola spoke of how, in every press conference this season, out of 50 questions, 45 are for Erling”. That is also something very different for City, and very powerful for reasons way beyond the ridiculous number of goals he will score.