Erling Haaland shows underrated quality that Man City have craved

You don't have to be a genius to work out why Manchester City fans are excited about the arrival of Erling Braut Haaland.

At the age of 21 the Norway international is already one of the most ruthless strikers in world football, having scored 86 goals in 89 appearances for Borussia Dortmund since January 2020. While City have had no problem scoring goals over the past two seasons, on their way to a fourth Premier League title it was at times clear that the only way to improve Pep Guardiola's side would be to add an elite striker to the squad.

Last month City did just that, by triggering the £51m release clause in Haaland's Dortmund contract. He will officially join the Blues on July 1 and will have the whole of pre-season to adapt to his new surroundings.

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On Sunday evening ,excitement levels rose further when Haaland scored a brace in Norway's 2-1 defeat of Sweden. His first was a penalty( perhaps he will end City's penalty curse?), but the second showed a new element he will bring to City's already brilliant attack.

His second goal in the 69th minute was rather route one: the goalkeeper hoofed the ball forward, it was flicked on and — after Sweden defender Joakim Nilsson misjudged his interception — Haaland raced onto it and lashed a shot into the bottom corner.

On closer inspection though, the role Haaland's mere physical presence played in creating the opportunity — and forcing the error from the defender — becomes clear.

When the ball is in mid-air following the flick-on, Haaland is a good yard or two behind Nilsson. Yet Haaland's speed allows him to instantly make up the ground, while his size and physicality