Roy Keane makes cheeky joke about Erling Haaland's new level after 'League Two player' claim

28/04/2024 21:05

Roy Keane has now jokingly given Erling Haaland an upgrade to a ‘Championship player’ after his previous strong assessment.

Following Manchester City’s draw to Arsenal on March 31, Keane claimed that the striker is ‘almost like a League Two player‘ after a poor performance.

Haaland is regarded as one of the best players in the world given he has scored 32 goals this season, so such a view raised many eyebrows.

The Norwegian’s latest goal for City saw him come off the bench in their 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest, one that showcased his true quality in front of goal with clever touches and a cool finish.

Keane was on punditry duty for Sky Sports and after the match he was asked what level he thinks Haaland’s general play is at now.

“Very much like a Championship player,” he said in response with a slight smirk, which drew laughter in the studio.

Keane added: “No, in terms of goal scoring he’s absolutely amazing, he’s taken about three or four touches there [before his goal], the defender is on his back foot.

“Yeah listen, there’s no doubt he’s quality in terms of his finishing, brilliant again. You’re looking at the players coming off the bench, he’ll be frustrated and he’ll be annoyed.

“So when he’s coming on he wants to have an impact on the game, and when the game is stretched like that, you’ve got people like [Kevin] De Bruyne, he’s making them runs.

“He’s going to find you and then it’s just that bit of sharpness which he’s shown.”

Haaland had not featured in City’s FA Cup semi-final win over Chelsea and league victory at Brighton amid claims he was feeling fatigued during their Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.

But he returned with a bang on Sunday to score a crucial goal that boosts their chances of winning a record fourth consecutive title.

The 23-year-old’s 32 goals this season have come in 40 appearances across all competitions for the treble winners.

Haaland netted a staggering 52 times in the previous campaign and although it’s a tally he’s unlikely to match in the final few games, his current total is still impressive.

City sit second in the Premier League and a point behind leaders Arsenal but hold a game in hand over them with four left to play.

Much of their success last season was down to Haaland’s incredible goal scoring form and he could prove to be the difference yet again in the season run-in.