Jack Grealish suggests Manchester City teammate Erling Haaland does not get the respect he deserves.
The Norwegian posted a reputable 27 league goals as City claimed a fourth-consecutive Premier League title.
Haaland has scooped back-to-back Golden Boots but even that hasn’t made him immune form criticism this season Credit: Getty
Haaland was unable to replicate his record-breaking first season at the club where he registered an incredible 36 goals in 35 league games.
His exploits saw him land the Premier League Player of the Season award while firing City to a historic treble.
However, the aura surrounding the 23-year-old has changed somewhat this season coinciding with a two-month layoff midway through the season.
His return to action was greeted with criticism from Roy Keane who compared the striker’s attributes with a League Two player following his performance against Arsenal in March.
Despite netting seven goals in City’s final five league games during the title run-in, Haaland was unable to impose himself on the Champions League double-header against Real Madrid last month.
But Grealish has leapt to the defence of his teammate and lifted the lid on Haaland’s impeccable work ethic.
“I’ve said so many times before he’s just unbelievable man, he’s just a killer,” Grealish said in an exclusive interview with talkSPORT. “This season he’s scored 27 goals in the league. It’s a bit disrespected, it’s as if it’s not good.
“He’s unbelievable, he’s there every time the ball is in the box. I can’t speak highly enough of him. I get on really well with him, he’s a brilliant guy, so good to have around the place.
Grealish had high praise for the Norwegian hot shot during an exclusive with talkSPORT Credit: Getty
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone have his work ethic. The things he does on a day-to-day basis whether it’s to help his sleep or his recovery… I’ve never seen anything like it.
“To me it shows why he’s so successful.”
Grealish and Haaland have their eyes set on a domestic double this weekend when Manchester City face neighbours Manchester United in the FA Cup final.
In a repeat of last year’s final when City saw off Erik ten Hag’s side 2-1, a win will see Grealish claim an eighth trophy in just three years at the club.