HAARD TIMES
Erling Haaland just a ‘normal player’, says Van der Vaart as he slams Man City over summer transfer
Van der Vaart took aim at one of City's recent transfers
FORMER Premier League star Rafael van der Vaart has slammed Erling Haaland amid Manchester City's woeful form.
The champions have not won any of their last seven games and their star striker has scored just three times in this run.
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Ex-Tottenham cult hero Van der Vaart did not hold back in his criticism of Pep Guardiola's side.
The outspoken Dutchman brutally hit out at Haaland, claiming he is overrated.
Van der Vaart told : "Take away his pace, I see Erling Haaland as a normal player.
“Technique-wise, he’s not good enough and he can get away with it when City are on form but not when they’re struggling.
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“I just think he is missing something that those top, top strikers have.
"I might get criticised for that opinion, but I don’t see him at the same level as the top strikers I played with like Ruud van Nistelrooy.
“Manchester City need Erling Haaland at the moment, but where is he?
"That’s why he’s not among that select few world-class strikers."
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Van der Vaart also claimed that City's transfer business has been poor and their star players are out of energy after winning four Premier League titles in a row.
He added: "I think the intensity that Man City have shown under Pep Guardiola for so many seasons is over.
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"They look very tired to me. You can see it in their faces, Kevin De Bruyne for example, they’re not fresh anymore.
“They need a rebuild. I’m not one who says they need to get rid of Pep, no chance.
"I believe in his coaching methods but they need to get their transfers right.
"Ilkay Gundogan was not what they needed in the summer.”
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