Erling Haaland is not the player he was last season, according to former Arsenal and Chelsea defender William Gallas.
The Manchester City striker was injured at the end of the year with a foot problem and has since returned to the first team, and he is scoring close to a goal a game (29 in 33) which is only marginally less than the 52 in 53 games he managed last season.
Nonetheless, speaking to Genting Casino, Gallas observed that there is a difference in the way he is approaching games this season.
He said: "I don’t think Erling Haaaland looks the same. His game, the way he makes runs, his desire, it’s not the same as the all-conquering Haaland we saw at Manchester City last year.
“Last season, he was running and fighting for every ball – he tired defenders out because he put them under so much pressure with his physicality. Defenders were always on their toes around him.”
Looking at a potential explanation, he added: “He’s come back from his injury and his football has changed. Is he still trying to get up to speed after the injury? Maybe.
“Something about Erling Haaland is very different this year. If you compare him to last season, his debut in the Premier League, his physical play was completely different. He was fighting. He was holding the ball.”
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