Erik ten Hag is deeply impressed by the qualities of Erling Braut Haaland. The Ajax coach calls it “extremely difficult” to eliminate the Norwegian striker for ninety minutes, he says in an interview with Sports Image. Ten Hag thinks that Haaland can succeed at any club, although the attacker would do well to stay at Dortmund for another season, according to the trainer.
In the run-up to the meeting between Ajax and Borussia Dortmund in the group stage of the Champions League, Ten Hag spoke extensively with the German football magazine. In the interview, the trainer disagrees with the statement that players such as Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt have not convinced Barcelona and Juventus since their departure from Ajax. “The step to a top club is never easy, especially for young players. At your own club you are familiar with the structure, the philosophy and you can fully focus on your performance. With a transfer you have to get used to a new environment, the pressure grows and you have to deal with criticism. This can affect your game. Despite this, De Jong and De Ligt are regular base players and have already won prizes with Barcelona and Juventus.”
According to Ten Hag, Haaland is a player who will make the step to the absolute top easier. “He is an exceptional player. Haaland can be successful anywhere. As I see him, I trust that he can take the next step. He is extremely developed for his age,” said the Ajax trainer about the 21-year-old striker, who, according to The Times is in the serious interest of Manchester City. Due to a clause in his contract, Haaland can be picked up next year for 75 million euros in Dortmund. His agent Mino Raiola will reportedly start talks with in January the Citizens. “But why wouldn’t Haaland stay at Dortmund for another year? He himself knows best how he develops. And the club plays a major role in that,” Ten Hag wonders.
Ten Hag emphasizes that personal development is crucial for a talent. “Without personality you cannot be a top player at a top club. You have to be sharp between the ears,” said the trainer of the team from Amsterdam, who hopes that his defenders can keep Haaland from scoring on Tuesday. Whether the Norwegian can be tamed for ninety minutes? “That is extremely difficult, because he has several qualities. He doesn’t just create danger in the penalty area. With his strength and speed, Haaland is an exception. He can decide a match on his own. A great striker and goalkeeper can take an entire team to the next level. Look at Bayern Munich, where Manuel Neuer and Robert Lewandowski are exceptional.” It is uncertain whether Haaland can be used against Ajax on Tuesday. The striker is still recovering from an injury that has kept him out for weeks.
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