Erling Haaland made headlines for the wrong reasons in the Community Shield but his Manchester City teammates have seen enough in training to make their own minds up.
Haaland skied over from a couple of yards towards the end of City's 3-1 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday, sealing the narrative of the tale of two strikers after Darwin Nunez had come off the bench for the Merseyside club to have a hand in the two goals that gave them the victory. Pep Guardiola admitted afterwards that it was useful for their No.9 to get a taste of what awaits him this season.
City's manager was not at all worried by Saturday's performance though, and after a few weeks of going up against him in training the defenders at the club have already seen plenty to suggest they will be very happy not to have to try and mark him in games. John Stones had to do just that when City played Dortmund in the Champions League two seasons ago, and labelled the striker an 'incredible addition' to the team.
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“I think he will bring goals. He is such a presence, such a big kid. Physically he is very able in all aspects and that is so difficult because he has pace, he has power, his finishing with both feet, his aerial threat as well; I played against him two seasons ago and he causes problems," he said.
"He is obviously so young as well and has so much to come. He is thriving here and his opportunity to train with us, learn with us and obviously bring his skillset to our team. He is an incredible addition to us as a team and I think he is raring to go to be honest.”
Nathan Ake watched on from the back as Haaland failed to find the net against Liverpool but while the Blues were disappointed to lose to their rivals they are aware there are bigger tests ahead. Ake fully expects Haaland to have a major say in City's season.
“I think he is a very good player. He has already shown that over the last few years and the time he has been with us for a couple of weeks already. He will be good for us.
"He can play in behind, he can play short, so I think he is just a big threat in all areas. I think he is going to be massive for us this season.”
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