Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says Erling Haaland is the best striker in the world and defended the Norwegian's performances after criticism from former Manchester United captain Roy Keane.
Haaland, who scored 36 Premier League goals last season, had little impact in City's 0-0 draw with Arsenal on Sunday and Keane said the 23-year-old's overall play was well below par. Premier League level.
“His overall level of play is very poor, and not just today. I think he needs to improve, he's almost like a League Two player," Keane said on Sky Sports after Sunday's match.
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Guardiola said he disagreed with Keane's remarks about Haaland, who is the league's top scorer with 18 goals.
“He (Haaland) is the best striker in the world and helped us win (the treble) last season, and the reason we don't create many chances is not because of Erling,” he said. -he told journalists on Tuesday. I watched it again - we just missed more people in the final third maybe. For the quality and the different skills we have, Haaland is exceptional.
City, who are third three points behind leaders Liverpool, face Aston Villa later on Wednesday.