Erling Haaland’s Champions League quarter-final performance against Real Madrid proves Roy Keane right

Erling Haaland is undoubtedly one of the best players of his generation. The Norwegian striker has been an unstoppable goal-scoring machine wherever he has played.

The 23-year-old is a real terror for defenders as he dominates almost all ground as well as aerial battles. A force to be reckoned with, Erling Haaland scored almost every type of goal possible.

watch @Erling HaalandUnbelievable goals vs Southampton from our unique pitcam angle! 😍📹

Watch the full highlights here ⤵️

— Manchester City (@mancity) April 11, 2023

However, recent years have exposed a major flaw in the 23-year-old’s gameplay. Erling Haaland has often been seen ghosting during important matches. This has invited harsh criticism from some soccer pundits, most notably from Roy Keane who does not believe the Manchester City player is fit to play in the Premier League.

Erling Haaland had two unusual matches against Real Madrid

The former Borussia Dortmund player’s problem was evident when Manchester City played against Real Madrid in the QFs of UCL 23/24. The Norwegian failed to score a single goal across the two legs, let alone dominate on the pitch. Real Madrid defenders bullied Erling during both games, as the Norwegian struggled to a*sert his dominance over Antonio Rudiger and co.

As a result of his inefficiency on the pitch, Manchester City became toothless on the pitch. ‘The Citizens’ Couldn’t progress to the semi-finals of the UCL, as Real Madrid won the second leg on penalties to end their treble hopes for the 2nd season in a row.

Erling Haaland cumulatively took 6 shots over the two legs, 5 of which came in the 2nd leg. The numbers are well below his average of 3.5 per game and that’s probably what could cost Manchester City so much. Even in the 22/23 season where Man City faced off ‘Los Blancos’, Erling Haaland was goalless in both legs of the semi-final.

Erling Haaland lost possession more times (14) than he completed two-legged pa*ses (11) against Real Madrid. 😬 pic.twitter.com/n0m7MGars8

— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) April 18, 2024

Along with his scoring, Erling’s all-round game has also been questioned. Erling Haaland lost possession more times (14) than he completed two-legged pa*ses (11) against Real Madrid.

Arling Haaland has played more matches against Real Madrid than any other team without scoring. So, Norwegians tend to disappear during important games. A similar case was made against the 23-year-old in the UEFA Champions League 22/23 final, where he failed to properly a*sert his presence and was saved by Rodri Beale in the 68th minute.

His record with Norway NT is also not that impressive, with whom he has not been able to qualify for any major tournament. Examples like these prove that Erling Haaland can be easily controlled if Manchester City’s creative outlets are blocked.

Roy Keane had some harsh words for the Norwegian striker

In such a situation, Roy Keane’s a*sessment of Erling Haaland can be considered quite relevant. The Irishman shocked the world by considering Erling Haaland’s level as a Ligue 2 player. Apparently, the former Manchester United captain was not at all impressed with the Norwegian’s all-round game.

The criticism comes after Erling Haaland’s poor performance against Arsenal in a crucial match. The Norwegian failed to score in this match as well, as Manchester City shared the points with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in March 2024.

Jamie Carragher had this to say in response to Roy Keane comparing Erling Haaland’s game to a League Two player 👀 pic.twitter.com/hzuQMe1FEa

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) April 11, 2024

Roy Keane said (via talksport), “His general level of play is very poor. And not just today, but in general. He is the best in the world in terms of goals, but his general game is very poor. He is almost like a League Two player. This is how I see him. His general game needs to improve.

The Irishman’s comments were widely criticized for his choice of words. However, Erling’s recent clash with Real Madrid proves that the Norwegian does indeed have a lot of room for improvement. Given his young age, Norway and Manchester City will be hoping the 23-year-old unleashes his true potential soon.