Jack Grealish has revealed he cheekily chastised Erling Haaland for missing a chance for Manchester City earlier this season.
Haaland has been a phenomenon since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in the summer transfer window. The Norwegian international has scored a stunning 24 goals in just 18 appearances, with his latest strike coming in the Carabao Cup win over Liverpool.
City are now preparing to face Leeds United on Wednesday, in their first Premier League game back after the World Cup break. Before that clash, Grealish was taken out by Amazon Prime to deliver gifts and as he did so, he revealed a cheeky comment he made to Haaland.
The winger disclosed that Haaland had missed a major chance he had created earlier this season, for which Grealish jokingly berated him. Grealish said: "I passed him one and he missed. I said: 'I need these assists, Erling.'"
Grealish has failed to register an assist in any competition this season and has scored just one Premier League goal. The 27-year-old enjoyed a successful World Cup, scoring in England's opening game against Iran.
He came on as a late substitute against Liverpool on Thursday as City reached the quarter-finals, where they travel to Southampton. Grealish has previously made his admiration for Haaland clear, particularly following a Champions League win over Copenhagen.
HAVE YOUR SAY! What should be Manchester City's starting line-up against Leeds? Comment below.
“Do you know what? It’s unbelievable, honestly, I’ve never ever witnessed anything like it in my life," the winger told BT Sport after Haaland had scored two goals in a 45-minute cameo.
“For the first and second goal, I was just laughing because I was like, ‘how?’, because he’s always there, he’s always finishing it, and yeah, he’s a pleasure to play with at the moment.
“After one of the goals, I think the third one, the keeper said something to me, he said ‘this guy’s not human’, and I was like 'bro, you’re telling me!' He’s unbelievable honestly, he’s a pleasure to play with.
"He’s so humble, he’s great around the place and that isn’t me just bigging him up, that’s the honest truth. Hopefully he can carry on this form and fire us to glory.”
City could find themselves dropping to third before they even kick-off against Leeds on Wednesday. Both Premier League leaders Arsenal and third-placed Newcastle will play on Boxing Day.
If the Gunners defeat West Ham, they will move eight points clear of City at the top of the table. And if the Magpies win away at Leicester, they will leapfrog Pep Guardiola's men and go into second place.
Haaland is almost certain to start at Elland Road as he looks to continue his remarkable scoring run. Meanwhile, Grealish will hope to do enough to claim a starting spot, with his last start in the Premier League coming in the win over Fulham just before the World Cup break.
