Erling Haaland: The Manchester City striker is criticized for not participating in games, but does it really matter when he scores goals every week?

 Despite criticism for his lack of participation in build-up stages, Erling Haaland has scored seven goals in three games, including two hat-tricks. Does Man City really need him there? Watch Sunday, September 22, at 3:30 p.m. ET on Sky Sports to see Man City vs. Arsenal.

After Manchester City's opening-day triumph over Chelsea, an incredible statistic was discovered. Erling Haaland, the main proponent of total football in the game, became the first player to play ninety minutes and complete just three passes. Just three.
The information fueled the inquest, which has been going on nearly since Haaland signed a contract with Man City in 2022. If a striker hardly touches the ball, can he really be regarded as a world-class player?

More recently, Haaland has been under scrutiny for his generally low touch totals during games. His personal goal tally is astounding, despite having the lowest touch count of any player who has scored three or more goals in any of Europe's big five leagues since the season's beginning.

The week before, when they defeated Chelsea 2-0, the Norwegian international made as many passes as he attempted seven shots on goal against Ipswich. The result was a 4-1 victory with a hat-trick by Haaland.
As we approach the first international break of the season, Haaland has scored seven Premier League goals. In the division, no other striker has even managed to get seven shots on goal.



More Premier League trebles have now been scored by him than by Wayne Rooney. He is on the same level as Harry Ka

ne, Michael Owen, and Thierry Henry. He is four short of Sergio Aguero's tally of 12, and three short of Alan Shearer. It won't be long until that record is also erased, I'm sure. Additionally, he has the opportunity to become the first player to win the Golden Boot three times in a row since Henry in 2004.

And all this from a man who frequently plays outside the box, as Roy Keane put it. After Man City and Arsenal drew 0-0 in March of last year, Keane observed, "His general play is so poor, he has to improve that". Is that really that important?