Erling Haaland's recent performances have come in for some criticism, thanks to the Norweigan going six games without a goal for club and country.
His overall play took a hit from Roy Keane, who compared the striker's all-round ability to that of a League Two player, and now former Premier League midfielder Jamie O'Hara has made the surprising suggestion that perhaps Man City are better off without Haaland in their side.
Pep Guardiola's men ran out 4-1 winners over Aston Villa on Wednesday without their number 9, and talking to Grovesnor Sports, O'Hara isn't sure Haaland really suits City's style of play.
“The point Roy Keane is making about Erling Haaland is the right one,” he said.
“He’s obviously not as bad as a League Two player – Roy knows what he’s doing there when he says that – but he does need to improve his game in that area, in terms of linking up with players. Everyone saw how good City were around the box against Aston Villa when he wasn’t playing with the intricate little passes and the movement, so Haaland needs to be better.
“The problem you have when you play him is that everything is high into the box to find him at the back post, but when City play without him, everything is on the floor and wrapped across the area, like we saw with Rodri’s goal last night.
"They have to play a different way when Haaland on the pitch and I don’t think it’s the way that suits them the best – it’s not his game.
“It’s hard for him because he wants grass in behind him and he wants to get in behind, but when teams play against Manchester City they have nine players behind the ball – there’s no space for him to operate in.
"It’s harsh, but sometimes City are better off not playing with him in the side.”
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