Erling Haaland looks to be a future City captain and he appears to be ideally suited to the role | OneFootball

There were a host of developments that stood out in Manchester City’s 4-nil win over Newcastle. Pep Guardiola’s side resembled themselves again in possession as they dominated Eddie Howe’s side at the Etihad. Three of City’s new signings showed exactly what they will add to the Manchester City set-up. There was a host more to take from the game, but there was something else that stood out during the match. That was that Erling Haaland took the captain’s armband for the must-win match. Coming out of the game it does appear to be a role that Haaland is suited to in the future.

Erling Haaland’s performance against Newcastle was a captain’s display. He put himself about while he was on the pitch. Defensively he led City’s press and played with the necessary energy required of a leader. Haaland was also a constant threat to the Newcastle defence. His mere presence created space for Omar Marmoush to exploit. The Egyptian international did exactly that as he scored a first-half hat trick. Although Haaland didn’t have any major clear-cut chances all game, he was a crucial player in City’s win. He was rewarded for his efforts with a late assist for James McAtee’s late goal. All told Erling Haaland showed he is likely to become Manchester City’s captain one day in the future. It is a role he appears suited to based on what we saw on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola revealed after his team’s win that he nominated Erling Haaland to be in City’s leadership group following Kyle Walker’s departure during the January transfer window. Guardiola explained: “When Kyle left, Kevin became the first [in line] and I nominated Erling to be a captain. When a player will be 10 years here, sooner or later you take on that responsibility. It’s nice that it’s the first time in the Premier League that it happened.”

Erling Haaland looks set to become a leader in Manchester City’s next era of dominance. Alongside Rodri and Ruben Dias it does seem that Haaland is ready for the responsibility. The extra responsibility may well bring out the best in Haaland. That is a scary proposition for City’s rivals and a tantalising one to ponder for everyone associated with Manchester City.