Oscar Bobb claims Man City team-mate Erling Haaland is an ‘inspiration’

Oscar Bobb has claimed that his team-mate Erling Haaland is an ‘inspiration’ after the Manchester City striker scored the winner in Tuesday’s Premier League match against Brentford.

Haaland netted a 71st-minute strike to hand City an important three points in the title race, and while Pep Guardiola admitted post-match that the no.9 isn’t at his sharpest as he continues to recuperate from a long-term foot injury, that was his 17th Premier League goal of the season.

Haaland is unlikely to beat the 36 he scored last term, which set a new Premier League record in his maiden campaign at City. But those sorts of incredible numbers that have seen him repeatedly amaze supporters in his first 18 months in England.

“What he's achieved is crazy, right? He's only three years older than me, same country, everything. Yes, he's an inspiration,” said Bobb, who added that Haaland has ‘helped me a lot’.

“When you have the quality he has, it is just about getting to the right spots, I think. As long as he gets in those situations, whether he misses or scores, such a clinical finish, if he misses a few one game it's not like he's going to start missing all his chances. So there are no real worries.”

Bobb was handed a first Premier League start on Tuesday night as he continues to play an increasingly bigger role under Guardiola. “It was great. Great to get a Premier League start,” said the 20-year-old. “The win in the end was a big relief and everyone was very happy.

“It's been a big step up but I think, playing in this team, it gets a lot easier because you're not always dominating, but usually you see a lot of the ball,” he added, when asked about being a part of this star-studded City team.  “For me as a player, I'm more of a ball-player than a runner and that helps. Being in this group and with these people helps me.”

Bobb has made 16 appearances this season in all competitions, with five coming as starts. The 20-year-old also netted his first senior goal when he came off the bench to grab the winner against Newcastle United last month.