EPL: Haaland not among world-class strikers – Van der Vaart

Former Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has described Manchester City striker Erling Haaland as nothing but a normal player.

He said the only advantage the Norwegian may have over other players is his pace.

Van der Vaart said this after watching Haaland fail to find the back of the net in his last two Premier League games.

Manchester City have failed to record a win in their last seven fixtures across competitions.

Pep Guardiola’s men have lost four consecutive matches in the Premier League.

Speaking on talkSPORT’s The LineUp show, Van der Vaart said: “Take away his pace; I see Erling Haaland as a normal player. Technique-wise, he’s not good enough and he can get away with it when City are on form but not when they’re struggling.

“I don’t see him at the same level as the top strikers I played with, like Ruud van Nistelrooy. Manchester City need Erling Haaland at the moment, but where is he? That’s why he’s not among that select few world-class strikers.”