Manchester City forward Erling Braut Haaland has hit back at critics who claim he does not touch the ball enough during matches.
Haaland has become a prominent goalscorer in world football, however, some fans and pundits have been skeptical of his contributions during matches.
According to some football fans, Haaland offer nothing except from scoring goals. He has also been labeled a ‘League One striker‘.
Responding to critics, Haaland noted that he does criticism does not bother him, adding that critics do not see his goal scoring record.
“There has always been this discussion on how many times I should touch the ball,” Haaland said. “When I score nobody talks about this, but when I don’t, people start to mention my touches.
“This is a part of my life, how people will speak and I can’t control what people say about me.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 04: Erling Haaland of Manchester City reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Etihad Stadium on May 04, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
“I just have to focus on what I should do on the pitch and my job isn’t to be like Rodri, to control a game, it’s being in the box and finishing the attacks. That’s my focus and I don’t care about what people say.
“It’s focusing on helping the team win. In the end you can play football without touching the ball, even if it sounds funny for some to hear that.
“You can do it with movements, the mental part, and the awareness. It’s a huge part of the game.
“It’s not only about touching the ball. Of course you have to touch the ball but I know my role in this team.”
Haaland has scored an impressive 36 goals this season, an outstanding haul but considerably down on his record-breaking 52-goal efforts 12 months ago.
