Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has responded to criticism about his lack of involvement in games.

Erling Haaland has hit back at Roy Keane over his comments about the Manchester City striker’s general play being “that of a League Two player”.

Haaland is on course to win the Golden Boot for the second consecutive season after hitting 25 goals in 28 appearances in the Premier League this season.

It follows up his record-breaking debut campaign, where he struck 36 times in 35 games.

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But the perception of Haaland’s qualities has changed somewhat this season, with many criticising him for a lack of touches.

While his job is to score goals, plenty feel as though he needs to do improve when it comes to his overall game.

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane made the League Two jibe after Haaland’s showing in the 0-0 draw with Arsenal, before later doubling down.

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Haaland played down the comments and said he “doesn’t care” about Keane.

But he did give a honest response to those who feel he is not involved enough in and defended his role in the team.

Image: Getty

“There has always been this discussion on how many times I should touch the ball. When I score nobody talks about this but when I don’t people start to mention my touches,” he said in an interview with Men in Blazers.

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This is a part of my life, how people will speak and I can’t control what people say about me. I just have to focus on what I should do on the pitch and my job isn’t to be like Rodri, to control a game, it’s being in the box and finishing the attacks. That’s my focus and I don’t care about what people say. It’s focusing on helping the team win.

“In the end you can play football without touching the ball, even if it sounds funny for some to hear that. You can do it with movements, the mental part, and the awareness.

“It’s a huge part of the game. It’s not only about touching the ball. Of course you have to touch the ball but I know my role in this team.”

Image: Getty

Haaland is in the mix for the Premier League Player of the Season awards but he surprisingly did not receive any votes for the FWA gong.

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Teammate Phil Foden picked up that prize after a stellar season.

Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports & Men in Blazers

Topics: Erling Haaland, Manchester City, Roy Keane

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field – including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.