Arrived this summer from Borussia Dortmund, the Norwegian international did not take long to adapt to the English championship. Top scorer in the Premier League this season with 20 goals in 14 games, Haaland panics the counters and could break many records if he maintains this stratospheric pace.
Frank confirms Yerry Mina will train today after suffering from cramp in the game on Boxing Day.
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—Everton (@Everton) December 30, 2022
Chelsea missed the phenomenon
Toffees manager Franck Lampard has admitted he tried to sign the Norwegian youngster when he was in charge of Chelsea. “I coached against him in a pre-season game against Salzburg. I had my eyes wide open on this young boy at the time. I think he had just signed for Salzburg. From the preparation, its potential was obvious. I tried to sign him at Chelsea, but it couldn’t happen. It was already clear at the time that he was going to become a great player”, confided the former England international before comparing the Citizens striker with the best players in the world today. I know we’re going to face him tomorrow, but I respect individuals who are at the top of their game. We watched the World Cup with people like (Lionel) Messi and (Kylian) Mbappé in the final and you know, Haaland belongs to this category of players”, he continued.
Unstoppable, really?
While waiting to cross paths with Manchester City’s crack again, Lampard has issued specific instructions to his players to try to limit his influence in the penalty area as much as possible. “It is a difficult task because of its qualities of displacement and its power. You have to try not to give him the spaces he wants, it’s as simple as that, but of course a player of this talent can punish you at any time. He is extraordinary. Only a player at the highest level can do that. I have a lot of respect for him,” he continued.
This week, Haaland made a secret about the World Cup. “I was at home, a little angry not to be at the World Cup. I recharged my batteries. Watching other people score to win games at the World Cup triggered something in me, motivated me and irritated me. I’m hungrier than ever”he blurted out.