Erling Haaland theory suggests he has lost his ‘fear factor’

Haaland has 29 goals in 33 games

Erling Haaland is one of those under the spotlight, despite scoring 29 goals in 33 games this season. Crazy.

Haaland struggled to make an impact in Manchester City's 1-1 draw against Liverpool last weekend, although that was much to the credit of Jarrell Quansah and Virgil Van Dijk's performance

The 23-year-old is also the Premier League's top goal scorer but that isn't enough for William Gallas, who launched a scathing attack on the Norway international.

Speaking to Genting Casino, Gallas said: "I don't think Erling Haaaland looks the same. His game, the way he makes runs, his desire, it's not the same as the all-conquering Haaland we saw at Manchester City last year.

"Last season, he was running and fighting for every ball – he tired defenders out because he put them under so much pressure with his physicality. Defenders were always on their toes around him.

"He's come back from his injury and his football has changed. Is he still trying to get up to speed after the injury? Maybe. Something about Erling Haaland is very different this year. If you compare him to last season, his debut in the Premier League, his physical play was completely different. He was fighting. He was holding the ball."

Haaland still recovering from injury

It's not been long since the forward has recovered from a bone stress fracture in late January and despite not looking up to full speed, is still scoring goals.

Gallas on the other hand thinks that Pep Guardiola should give the forward an extended break.

"He was an animal last season. Defenders were frightened of his physicality – he didn't give defenders a second to breath. He was running and fighting for every ball," the former Arsenal defender said.

"For defenders, it's so difficult to play against someone like him. In the game against Liverpool, he had two direct duels with Virgil van Dijk and he lost them both. 

"In one situation he got off a shot, but it was an easy effort for Kelleher to save. Perhaps he is still tired. He was out for a few months and, since he has come back, he has played in almost every game for Manchester City. It's normal for your energy to drop after a spell on the side lines. It looks like he could do with a breather at the moment."

Related links:

• Harry Kane’s latest hat-trick won’t count due to bizarre Bundesliga rule
• Man City create history in Champions League win
• Solskjaer reveals he told United to sign Haaland for £17m