Roy Keane cannot fathom Erling Haaland scoring less than 20 goals in his debut season at Manchester City.
The Norwegian is one of the hottest properties in world football and made the move to the Premier League from Borussia Dortmund. In Germany he was scoring a goal per game on average having previously burst onto the scene with Red Bull Salzburg.
City have operated without a recognised No 9 for several years, but continue to create huge amounts of chances. As a result, Haaland is being tipped to top the goal charts and Keane believes he has the right attitude with more to come given his tender age.
The Irishman said on ITV prior to the game: "Brilliant, brilliant player. Good age, 22, he hasn’t peaked yet, he’s working with a brilliant team, brilliant manager, he’s got all the attributes, you can’t imagine him not scoring 20 goals, you just can’t.
"If he stays fit, he’s obviously got the right attitude what a signing, you used a word there… exciting, that’s exactly what this young kid is and I’m excited to watch him over the next few months."
Haaland has already been vocal in his fondness for Pep Guardiola, who will be hugely demanding of his new signing as City target a hat-trick of league triumphs as well as their much craved Champions League title. Sergio Aguero previously excelled as a natural striker and Haaland is tipped to do likewise.
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City's domination has made it hard to question their tactics, but at times the lack of a focal point has been cited as an issue, especially in Europe. The signing of Haaland more than addresses that issue which gives Guardiola's outfit another dimension.
Ian Wright said: "You look at his record, we’ve been watching him in the Bundesliga and he’s scoring a goal a game almost. He looks so dynamic, 6ft5, pace, skill, he’s got everything. He’s come to one of the best clubs in the world who needed a striker of that calibre, we’re not saying City have been struggling to win the league but with this guy in it and this calibre of player coming to the Premier League it’s exactly what you need."
Haaland didn't have the debut he was hoping for against Liverpool, who ran out 3-1 winners in the Community Shield with the Norwegian failing to get on the scoresheet. But Keane still thinks he's going to be a huge player for City this season.
" I’d be encouraged from what I saw from Haaland today," he assessed after the final whistle. "Okay he missed two chances but he’s getting chances and it’s nice to see with the big hype around him it’ll humble him a little bit and it’s going to be hard work.
"There’s no doubt in my mind he’s going to score goals for fun, his movement, chances he had - he’ll be disappointed."
