Erling Haaland scored in Manchester City’s 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon, taking his tally to 14 goals and one assist from 10 games in all competitions, and Noel Whelan believes he’s one of a few City players that won’t be dropped.
Pep Guardiola is known for his squad rotation in all positions, with only Ederson playing every minute of every Premier League game this season. Rodri (585/630 minutes), Ruben Dias (583) and Joao Cancelo (579) are City’s most used outfield players, but Haaland (574) is fourth in the list.
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The 22-year-old’s had a hand in at least one goal in his last nine games across the board, so it’s no wonder why Guardiola has used Haaland in every league and Champions League outing this season. Whelan believes he’ll stay in the starting lineup due to how ruthless he’s been in front of goal.
He told Football Insider: “He’s definitely un-droppable because of how many matches he’s already won City. He’s a freak of nature and a complete forward.
“Maybe in certain cup competitions he’ll rest the first team – especially when it comes to the League Cup. The World Cup break is another big opportunity for him to have a rest, so that’ll be on Pep’s mind.
“When you’re talking about big games and match winners, he has to be first on the team sheet right now.” Whelan isn’t wrong. Haaland has scored in all but one of City’s seven league games this season, so Guardiola can’t afford to take him out of the starting eleven.
The Norwegian international has had his problems with injuries in the past, so his minutes might eventually need to be managed, but Haaland’s place in the side is secure when he’s fit.
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