Manchester City striker Erling Haaland‘s ability to be in the right place at the right time has been compared to former Manchester United and Arsenal player Robin van Persie.
An unnamed member of City’s backroom staff was speaking to The Times when he made the remark, but fans on Twitter are not particularly pleased about the comparison:
This is just a disrespect to Erling
— Tottiยนโน (@mcfctotti1) September 25, 2022
He will be better!
— A City Fan (@mcfcdvd) September 25, 2022
Much better than rvp ever was
— MCFCANT88 (@Anthony15665779) September 25, 2022
A disrespect to Erling
— ๐๐ง๐๐ ๐ฆ๐ท (@PricelessJulian) September 25, 2022
I feel like van persie was at league1 level compared to this one touch monster pic.twitter.com/Ls2ebNJkVp
— Edwin Motsumi (@MotsumiEdwin) September 25, 2022
Can't see that comparison. More like van nistelrooy
— Henry Proudlock (@HenryProudlock) September 25, 2022
There are certainly similarities between the two players but Haaland is definitely more of a poacher and less inclined to shoot from long range than the Dutchman.
Whether making such an analogy is actually helpful, it is debatable. Haaland is unique, with his pace, power, height and finishing ability making him one of the most complete strikers the game has ever seen.
There are certainly areas where he can improve but, in terms of sticking the ball in the back of the net, you can’t really ask for more from Haaland
