Expert worried about ‘caged’ Erling Haaland as new Man City pictures emerge
Noel Whelan has backed “caged animal” Erling Haaland to explode when he returns to action for Man City after watching the World Cup from the sidelines.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, expressed worries about the Whites bearing the brunt of the 22-year-old’s frustrations when they play City on 28 December.
Man City posted to club media on Monday (5 December) as Haaland and his teammates returned to training ahead of a mid-season friendly game against Girona on 17 December.
Norway international Haaland has been out of action since 12 November with his nation failing to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar.
The phenom has announced himself in the English game by scoring 18 goals in his first 13 Premier League outings.
Despite Haaland’s prolific start, City remain five points behind league leaders Arsenal as Pep Guardiola’s men seek to retain their crown.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “This is like a caged animal, isn’t it?
“He’s been locked up, not scoring the goals that he is used to – having to watch all these other players on the big stage.
“He started the season at a massive pace, and he’ll be like a coiled spring ready to go again.
“I bet he can’t wait for the Premier League to come back.
“Leeds United will have a big job on their hands to keep him quiet on 28 December.
“Players like him are always chomping at the bit to get back to it, and he’ll be hungry to show everyone what he can do again.”
In other news, pundit “sure” on Jack Grealish quitting Man City as source reveals new transfer plan.