Erling Haaland suited to football all over the world including Congo, says Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is suited to playing football all over the world, including Congo after a hugely impressive first season in the Premier League.

Haaland signed for the Cityzens only last summer, arriving from Borussia Dortmund. The Norwegian international has made a devastating impact in his debut season in the Premier League.

While Haaland has scored a remarkable 27 goals in 25 games so far in the league, it has come in the context of wider debate over whether he has actually made the team better.

Asked whether he believes Erling Haaland is built for the Premier League with his style of play, Pep Guardiola responded, “(Yes) And I would say in Germany, in Spain, in Italy, in Norway, in Congo, everywhere.

“These types of players adapt everywhere; in Africa, South America, no problem.”

Following some challenging moments this season in regards to adapting to the inclusion of a traditional centre-forward, and Guardiola was also asked whether he believes the addition of the Norwegian is good or bad for his team’s evolution through the change in style of play.

“It’s not good or bad, it is what it is. We love him, I love to have him,” said Pep Guardiola. “That is the reality, but at the end, what he has is in some moments we – like in the past – had Gabriel (Jesus) there, we had Sergio (Aguero), but we didn’t have the attention, looking for him a lot.”

“Now we have to try to do it. For the fact that knowing he’s there as a good target for us, and the first vision has to be like to him. Before it was more right, left, left, right, until the last moment. But sometimes when you are looking for (him) a lot too quick, you are less precise, you lose the ball, you allow the transitions for the opposition team.”

Guardiola continued, “This balance, that is what sometimes you have to find in the right way because when he starts to run, with this power, the tendency is oh we have to give the ball because he’s going to score a goal.”

Haaland’s goals tally might have been even more impressive had Kevin De Bruyne performed on a slightly more consistent basis this season.

Guardiola is sticking by the midfielder, however, acknowledging his team since arriving at City has been “Kevin and 10 more”.

“If Kevin is fit, he is ready,” the manager said, also confirming Kyle Walker would be available to face Crystal Palace following an incident at a club that was captured on CCTV. The England defender appeared to pull his trousers down, with Cheshire Police looking into the matter.

City will hope to beat Palace on Saturday and again apply pressure to league leaders Arsenal, who responded last week by dramatically beating Bournemouth.

That result was huge for Arsenal, but Guardiola insisted it had no adverse impact on City.

“Of course we take a look. We have to do our job and take a look,” Guardiola said. “You see it’s 0-2 and after 2-2 and after it’s six minutes extra time, they score after.

“So, it’s a pity. It would be better with a draw.

“We have to admit we are used to this for Liverpool. How many times in the last few seasons they scored in the last minutes at Anfield? How many?

“It was one of the biggest talents for Liverpool to scored in the last minute. I’ve lived it in the last three, four years, when we fought against them and battled many, many times.”