Manchester City star Erling Haaland will be accompanied by a club doctor when he attends international duties with Norway, according to insider Jan Aage Fjortoft and Daily Mail journalist Jack Gaughan.
The Lowdown: Haaland at City
Since arriving at the Etihad this summer, the 22-year-old has eclipsed even the highest expectations in the Premier League.
After just seven games in the English top-flight, the striker has already bagged 11 goals. Furthermore, in two Champions League appearances against Sevilla and former club Borussia Dortmund, Haaland has already netted an additional three goals.
The youngster also plays a major part in the Norwegian national team, for whom he has impressively scored 20 times in 21 appearances.
The Latest: Club doctor news
According to Norway national team insider Jan Aage Fjortoft, Man City doctor Mario Pafundi will now join Norway’s medical staff, adding more responsibilities to his club duties with Pep Guardiola’s side. This idea was proposed by Haaland and approved by manager Stale Solbakken.
Building on this, as per Gaughan’s Daily Mail report, his role within the squad will be to maintain the daily routine the 22-year-old has undergone at Man City. The Sky Blues have been monitoring Haaland’s physical progress and they believe Pafundi’s presence with the Norwegian squad should enable him to preserve his fitness for when he returns to Manchester.
The Verdict: Crucial to City
Having won four of the last five Premier League titles, it is clear City do not need Haaland to win domestic trophies.
However, having thus far failed to win a Champions League under Guardiola, the Blues’ new striker will be crucial to the side’s pursuit of European silverware.
In 21 appearances in the continental competition, Haaland has bagged a sensational 26 goals – illustrating his clinical nature in the final third, no matter the level of opponent or pressure on the big stage.
Therefore, if City are going to win the Champions League with Guardiola, it will most likely be with the Norway international firing them all the way through.
