After some initial struggles, Liverpool’s new striker got going as per expectations as Darwin Nunez scored four goals when Klopp’s men thrashed RB Leipzig 5-0 during their pre-season encounter last week.
Being a marquee signing and having the 100m price tag on his head, any faltering steps from Nunez will not go unpunished by supporters and pundits alike.
Much like Liverpool’s new frontman, Man City’s new star acquisition Erling Haaland is also expected to face similar challenges. But unlike Nunez who scored his first goal for his new club only in his third game, the City striker looks determined to get on the scoresheet for each and every game for the English side, be it pre-season or not.
It took the Norwegian just 12 minutes to score his first goal from his first shot on target against Bayern Munich on Sunday which also proved to be the winner on the night.
Soon after a Riyad Mahrez free-kick was cleared by the Bayern defence, Kevin De Bruyne slipped Jack Grealish into the box who sent in an accurate low cross to find Haaland who tapped it in to earn the scalp.
As the players headed down the tunnel at half-time, Haaland was spotted appreciating the Englishman for setting up his debut goal and asked for more such fruitful supply in the future.
Grealish: "Haaland! I told you!"
Haaland: "Exactly, these balls that's what I like"
Grealish: Hey, Kal, I said to him just before the game, I'll go down the line…" pic.twitter.com/MaIMEHWVTs
Following the game, Haaland only had praises to offer for Grealish during his interview. “He’s good, he has to get better. I have to get better. (There is a) good link, I like the vibe around him,” revealed the 22-year-old.
This sudden linkup has supporters now wondering if this is the beginning of a new fearsome strike partnership for a team that is already dominating the Premier League.
More than just a professional connection, it looks like Haaland and Grealish have been bonding quite well even off the pitch during the club’s pre-season events and training in the US.
On Haaland’s 22nd birthday, the Englishman took to Instagram to give fans a peek into the club’s team dinner where Grealish appears to have forced the Norwegian to give a speech. Following an awkward and short address from Haaland, Grealish also led a few chants in the striker’s name to ensure that his new teammate feels valued and right at home.
There also seems to be mutual respect between both sets of players as even Grealish has spoken highly of Haaland’s footballing ability. At the same time, he has also revealed the close relationship they already share amongst themselves such that they even joke about their respective price tags.
Grealish on Haaland: “Once he reaches full fitness he will be unstoppable. He actually said to me, ‘I’m only half the price of you so I haven’t got the pressure!’ He’s so down to earth and quite up front with the way he is.”
With a date with Liverpool coming up for the Community Shield, both Haaland and Grealish would be looking to kick-start the season by linking up just as they did against Bayern.
If the duo is able to maintain their blossoming bromance on and off the pitch, it could very well be a season to remember in store for fans of the club.
