Nigel de Jong has rubbished a claim made by Richard Keys on BeIN Sports, when discussing the future arrival of Erling Haaland at Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side confirmed an agreement is in place for the Norwegian.
Haaland, 21, is considered to be one of world’s best players already, and a future Ballon d’Or winner. That is, after scoring a whopping 85 goals in 88 games for Borussia Dortmund, since joining from Salzburg back in 2021.
Manchester City announced the news earlier this week, confirming an agreement is in place – and personal terms are to be finalised. Micah Richards delivered an instant response to the news, saying “it’s time”.
Presenter Keys put to de Jong that Haaland makes fewer passes than any other leading striker in European football – behind the likes of Karim Benzema. But de Jong rubbished his claim, saying it does not matter.
“Haaland makes fewer passes than any other leading goalscorer in Europe. He is miles back, behind Benzema. He is ranked 129th out of 193,” Keys said. De Jong replied: “It is such a useless stat, Richard. It is.
“I hear what you’re saying but this stat is completely useless because at the end of the day, they’ve bought Haaland to score goals. They will pass him with the right assists to score goals. A passing stat doesn’t come into it.”
De Jong rubbishes Keys claim as Manchester City sign Haaland
De Jong is right. Keys trying to put a downer on what is one of the most-incredible signings by an English club this summer, already, was quickly thrown out. Rightly so. Haaland has been signed to score goals for City.
He has not been signed to lay on assists, he has not been brought in to contribute to play. Guardiola has signed Haaland to be the man at the top of the pitch to finish it all off. He has the players to create.
Karim Benzema and Harry Kane need to create and contribute because the others around them do not do it enough. But City have the attacking midfielders, the playmakers. Haaland will score a ton of goals at City.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
