Rio Ferdinand defends Erling Haaland after recent suggestions that he makes Man City WORSE

Rio Ferdinand jumped to the defense under fire from Man City striker Erling Haaland amid recent suggestions from Jamie Carragher that record goalscoring makes Pep Guardiola’s side worse.

City are in the midst of a crisis after the Premier League accused them of more than 100 rule breaches, but they have also focused on Haaland’s contribution to the team after a series of difficult performances.

City put in another unusually poor performance in Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Spurs, failing to convert a golden opportunity to close the gap on league leaders Arsenal.

Haaland missed a shot on goal for the first time this season, but former Manchester United defender Ferdinand has justifiably protested the Norwegian’s innocence in recent City performances.

“I see some people saying it has made Man City worse. I don’t know how you can score 25 goals in a team and that makes you worse,” Ferdinand told his FIVE Youtube channel.

Erling Haaland has come under recent criticism from some pundits and sections of city supporters.

The talented City star has scored an impressive 25 goals in 25 Premier League appearances for the Blues this season.

I can’t understand it, I just can’t. One thing in the way you play is definitely a negative for the way they play. [City] game compared to last season and the season before, number nine before he showed up, whether it was Jesus, sometimes Gundogan, Foden, Sterling, that number nine would show up and create overload.

“Even more numbers, so dominance and control of games was probably a bit more superior in past seasons and that would have been one of the key elements,” he added.

The 22-year-old has put up amazing numbers during his debut season in the English top flight, scoring 25 goals in 20 appearances under Guardiola, but has been called into question in recent games.

Ferdinand explained that Haaland’s classic forward instincts mean City have lost some of his control, but insisted that his threats in the box make him a crucial asset.

“Haaland is an absolute number nine, he stands tall and occupies the center half so they have one less body length behind the ball,” Ferdinand said.

“He gives you that something more that they never had, that threat in the area, he finishes off the opportunities and his connection with De Bruyne at the beginning of the season nobody complained when the goals were going.

Haaland (left) has been the star of Pep Guardiola’s season for City so far this season.

City’s unusually poor form saw them suffer a surprise 1-0 loss to Spurs on Sunday.

Former United defender Ferdinand has said Haaland is a problem

‘It’s a great addition, it’s the best thing since sliced ​​bread. What I would say is that I hope Pep is showing you videos when the first ball from him is sometimes not him.

‘He is creating opportunities, but sometimes you don’t see him. The team also has to take responsibility, not just him.