Erling Haaland is already “unimaginable” however must hold working laborious as a way to change into a Ballon d’Or winner, says Ilkay Gundogan.
- Blues spent massive on Norwegian striker
- Already as much as 20 targets this season
- Anticipated to problem for particular person honours
WHAT HAPPENED? Manchester Metropolis have been having fun with a surprising return on their £51 million ($57m) summer season funding in Haaland, with the Norwegian striker plundering 20 targets via 14 appearances in all competitions. He already seems nailed on for a Premier League Golden Boot in 2022-23, and impressed team-mates on the Etihad Stadium consider a Golden Ball may type a part of his future.
WHAT THEY SAID: Quizzed by Metropolis’s official web site on whether or not Haaland can change into the very best participant on the planet, Germany worldwide midfielder Gundogan mentioned: “There may be high quality – everybody can see it. There may be a variety of high quality that he already brings. Into our group, into his sport. But in addition, the best way he’s coping with issues which are vital to him and the mentality, the willpower he has on a match day and likewise within the coaching classes within the locker room. I believe that’s one thing particular. And on high of that he’s humble.
“He is aware of he has to work laborious to get the place he’s proper now and to even get to higher locations. I’m positive that each one this collectively will simply enhance him increasingly more… not simply this season however within the subsequent few years. And it’ll make him an unimaginable participant He’s already one however he’ll simply get higher and I believe this may improve his possibilities to win the Ballon d’Or.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Haaland was among the many contenders for the 2022 Ballon d’Or, however completed tenth in that vote as the highest prize went to talismanic Actual Madrid captain Karim Benzema.
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DID YOU KNOW? Having failed to attain in his first look for Manchester Metropolis on the Etihad Stadium, Haaland has scored in every of his final six dwelling video games in all competitions, netting 13 targets in whole. The final participant to attain in seven consecutive dwelling video games for the Residents was Sergio Aguero, between December and February within the 2017-18 marketing campaign.
WHAT NEXT FOR HAALAND? Metropolis, who noticed their unbeaten begin to the 2022-23 marketing campaign ended by Liverpool final day out, will probably be again in motion on Saturday when enjoying host to Brighton.