Robinson ‘surprised’ by Erling Haaland after Man City reveal
Paul Robinson is “surprised” by Man City striker Erling Haaland’s lack of involvement against Bournemouth on Saturday.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs and England number one said the 22-year-old will have to learn “how to play against a back three” in which he is being man-marked.
On Saturday (13 August), Pep Guardiola’s side romped to a 4-0 win over the Cherries at the Etihad.
However, Haaland had just eight touches in his 74 minutes on the pitch and complete just two passes. [OptaJoe]
The summer signing from Borussia Dortmund did however provide the assist for Ilkay Gundogan’s opener after 19 minutes.
When asked by Football Insider if there was any cause for concern, Robinson said: “I was surprised by his lack of involvement, I have to say.
“I was surprised by his lack of touches more than anything.
“He is going to have to learn how to pay against a back three. Teams will have one centre-half man marking him out of the three. That is one thing that Bournemouth did really well in the game. They nullified his involvement.
“The plus for City is when teams focus on Haaland their other plays have a field day. That is what happened at the weekend.
“Haaland is coming up against better players this season. These players will target him. It is something that he probably hasn’t had. It is part of his learning.
“His threat was nullified. The problem is, you nullify Haaland and everyone else scores. They really are a force to be reckoned with.”
In other news, a pundit has issued a verdict on journalist’s Marco Verratti transfer update after Man City stance confirmed.