Ilkay Gundogan Explains What Makes Erling Haaland A 'Great Footballer'

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has broken down the aspects of Erling Haaland's game that make him a great forward.

The Premier League champions beat the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich to secure the arrival of the Norwegian from Borussia Dortmund for £51 million this summer.

After winning back-to-back league titles largely in the absence of a natural striker, the Blues have made a significant addition to their frontline a year on from failing to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham.

Erling Haaland is expected to make his Manchester City debut (PA Images / Alamy)

City have also brought in the exciting Julian Alvarez from River Plate after announcing his signing on the final day of the January transfer window.

With Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus joining Chelsea and Arsenal respectively, Pep Guardiola has made some eye-catching changes in personnel around the squad.

Kalvin Phillips has come in from Leeds and as Zack Steffen left on loan for regular game time ahead of the World Cup in Qatar, City signed Stefan Ortega from Arminia Bielefeld to increase competition for Ederson in goal.

Erling Haaland in pre-season

The spotlight was on Erling Haaland on his competitive debut at the weekend, as City took on title rivals Liverpool in the FA Community Shield after their tour of the United States.

It was a disappointing evening for the men in blue as Jurgen Klopp's side took home the cup and lay down an early marker for the upcoming campaign.

Haaland struggled to influence proceedings and missed to pull one back in injury time after Adrian failed to deal with Phil Foden's effort and sent a loose ball into the young forward's feet.

Erling Haaland in action for Manchester City.

However, expectations remain high as ever for Haaland amongst the Manchester City faithful in his debut campaign at the Etihad Stadium.

The Leeds-born striker has established his status as one of the deadliest young attackers in world football since he joined Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg in 2020.

In a new interview with Sky Sports, Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan explained what makes Erling Haaland a scary prospect for opposition defences and cited his most crucial attributes.

Erling Haaland in a Man City shirt for the first time (ManCity.com)

"He (Haaland) is a machine, especially with his stature and the physical strength he brings," the Germany international said, as quoted by Florian Plettenberg.

"That mentality of wanting to score a goal at all costs - that together makes him a really great footballer."

Haaland is set to get his first taste of the Premier League on Sunday as Manchester City look to make a winning start to their title defence against West Ham at the London Stadium.

Pep Guardiola could also start Julian Alvarez against the Hammers after the Argentinian levelled for City soon after coming on against Liverpool, as Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez struggled to affect the game.