Micah Richards was left really impressed by how one Manchester City player really improved an area of his game that has been a weakness against Wolves.
Manchester City kept up the heat on Arsenal as the Premier League title race reaches its final furlong by destroying Wolves 5-1 at the Etihad Stadium.
Erling Haaland was making his first start since returning from injury and he was the star of the show as he bagged four goals.
Two were from the penalty spot but another was a towering header from a Rodri cross and the fourth was a spectacular goal.
Haaland plucked a lofted Phil Foden pass out of the sky and dummied past a defender before bending an unstoppable shot into the goal.
Julian Alvarez then added a fifth but Haaland will earn all the plaudits after such a display.
However, Micah Richards was left more impressed with the improvement he has made elsewhere rather than his goals.
- Man City player ratings vs Wolves: Erling Haaland is back to his best with a 10/10 performance
Micah Richards praises ‘outstanding’ Erling Haaland
Speaking on Sky Sports, Richards said: “Yes his form has probably not been at the level of last season.
“But since he’s come back from this injury he’s had a newfound confidence.
“When he came on against Forest the other day his hold-up play was outstanding, obviously he gets his goal but his all-around general play is the thing I’m most impressed with.
“I think when you’re that level of player, every week you’re going to get scrutinised.
“There’s been times within games when you want him to hold up the ball a little bit more.
“You seen the size of him? Use his strength.
“We’re not talking about an Alvarez who’s going to come into the pockets and play we’re just talking about using that strength and the advantage.
“Obviously, he’s still a young player and he will improve. I just think to go to that next step where we’re talking Balon d’Or contenders every year.
“It’s just can he bring that other side into his game and I think he is now.
“That’s what we’re seeing, a more rounded player, especially in the last couple of games.”
Erling Haaland is answering his critics
Often criticism can seem over the top and certain corners have been ridiculous in their dismissal of Haaland’s quality in the face of the first blip in his career.
But constructive and good faith criticism can be useful when it’s honest and fair.
Haaland has incredible standards, standards he will want to maintain himself, and he can only do that if everyone can admit when he’s not at his best.
It has been difficult at points for him this season. He has often cut an isolated figure and he has missed some golden chances.
We can admit that without going to the extreme of saying he’s a ‘League Two player’.
That’s just lunacy as he scores at a rate few others can and has set his bar incredibly high.
Haaland now has 36 goals, which would be a career-high for 99% of players but is a blotch on his record.
But fair criticism is justified because when you see him work on improving those sides of his game and then put in a display like he did against Wolves, it reminds you just how incredible he can be at his best.