A former Real Madrid star claims that Manchester City's Erling Haaland is not a world-class striker.
Despite a tally of 12 goals in 14 Premier League games this season, Haaland's performances have come under the scrutiny amid City's poor run of results.
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After starting the 2024/25 campaign on fire, the Norway international has scored just two goals in his last nine league games. The 24-year-old also failed to get on the scoresheet during City's 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.
Former Netherlands midfielder Rafael van der Vaart did not hold back on his assessment of Haaland, arguing that the centre-forward is not among the few elite strikers in the world.
The former Tottenham Hotspur playmaker told BetMGM: "Take away his pace, I see Erling Haaland as a normal player.
"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 is 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.
"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."
Despite lacking form for the Citizens in recent months, Haaland has still registered 17 goals and one assist in 20 games in all competitions.
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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