Man City striker Erling Haaland “has been awful since the World Cup” and Riyad Mahrez is “underrated”, according to former Man Utd defender Paul Parker.

Haaland has been in sensational goalscoring form this season with 25 goals in 19 Premier League appearances but there were some questions raised recently about the Citizens’ performances with him in the team.

There have been suggestions that Man City play better without him with the Norway international going three matches without a goal in early December.

The fact that eights goals in ten matches since the World Cup break is seen as a goal drought for Haaland speaks volumes to the impact he’s made since arriving at Man City.

But former Man Utd and England defender Parker reckons Haaland has been “absolutely awful” since Man City resumed matches after the World Cup break.

Parker told Bettors: “City’s form since the World Cup has been pretty poor. Some of the results haven’t been great but when they have got results, he’s been quite integral in what they’ve been doing.

“Everything was all about City, about Haaland not being in the World Cup. Everyone else is going to be back and be tired. An overused word in football nowadays. I’m shaking my head in disgust when I keep hearing the word ‘tired’.

“We must think they’re out there doing scaffolding all day when they’re playing football. Christ almighty, this world’s gone mad. Paid millions and millions and they’re ‘tired’.

“But Haaland in theory has been awful since the World Cup. Absolutely awful. He’s scored a few goals but he’s been awful.”

Haaland’s team-mate Mahrez has been in sensational form since Man City returned to action in December with six goals and three assists in nine matches in all competitions.

And Parker reckons Mahrez has made a “difference” recently with the Algeria international “underrated” in the Man City side.

Parker added: “I think he’s underrated. He’s not seen in that bracket but he’s got Premier League medals, he’s got League Cups. He’s got a lot of medals from playing.

“He’s a person who is underrated. He’s not raved about. When you talk about Man City, he’s not the first name that comes off of anyone’s tongue.

“His level since the Premier League has resumed after the World Cup has been very, very high. He’s been quite important. He’s scored key goals at key times. He’s made a difference. Mahrez has been so positive for City.”

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