The success Manchester City has had in the past few years is commendable. Despite scoring many goals for Manchester City, Erling Haaland will not take center stage. The team is known for its collective display. Although the Norwegian was a vital influence on them winning the treble last season, an expert feels that a certain teammate who is worth $15 million is more crucial than the lethal striker for the club.

Moreover, Manchester City’s treble journey was nothing less than a dream come true. Although not new to Pep Guardiola, the Spanish manager knows how to use his players to win big tournaments. So, who is the most important one among the lot?

French soccer icon makes a unique choice over Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland was recently the runner-up in the Ballon d’Or race. He also won the Gerd Muller trophy for being the highest goalscorer for the 2022-23 season. To choose him as a lesser priority would bring a lot of debate. However, keeping in mind the importance of midfield, World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf chose Rodri to play a more important role for the Sly Blues than the team’s highest scorer.

Speaking on ESPN FC extra time, Leboeuf responded to a fan’s question about who is more important to the team between Rodri and Halland. The former Chelsea player mentions the importance of Rodri’s position in the midfield. Leboeuf said, “I would have to go for Rodri, for the reason that he is in the middle of the park. He is very important to the way Manchester City will defend or also will attack.”

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Rodri, who plays as a holding midfielder, sets up the tempo of the team from the middle. The player can decide if the ball has to go back or forward, making it a very crucial position. This aspect of the game was mentioned by Leboeuf to consider him over goalscoring forward.

Meanwhile, Rodri also played a crucial role in Manchester City winning the treble. Apart from his defensive prowess, his goal in the final was the deciding factor for them to win their first UEFA Champions League. The Spaniard was ranked 6th in this year’s Ballon d’Or. The contributions of both players were the key to the team’s triumph. How did Erling Haaland stand out last season?

Haaland’s role in Manchester City’s treble

Haaland was the highest goalscorer for the 2022–2023 season, scoring a massive 52 goals. The player became the quickest to reach fifty goals for a Premier League club. Even though Manchester City had Rodri for many other seasons, one could argue that Haaland’s arrival helped complete their puzzle of a Champions League title.

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Moreover, Haaland scored 12 goals in the Champions League, including in the quarterfinals against Bayern Munich. The player hasn’t stopped yet. Even though it feels like he has slowed down this season, the Norwegian has scored 15 goals already for the club, with 3 assists to his name. After finishing as a runner-up in the Ballon d’Or race, do you think that Erling Haaland is a definite winner next year? Let us know in the comments below.

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