Ever since Erling Haaland’s arrival at the Etihad Stadium, a lot of the talk around his arrival has centred around his potentially devastating partnership with Kevin De Bruyne.
The Belgian international has reigned over the assist charts since becoming a Manchester City player in 2015.
With one of the most clinical strikers in Europe set to join forces with arguably the best midfielder in the world, opposition fans have been understandably quaking in their boots.
As the pair shared the same pitch for the first time in City’s final pre-season friendly against Bayern Munich, fireworks were expected.
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While there were certainly encouraging signs on show between the duo in Wisconsin, it was another partnership that involved Haaland that ended up stealing the headlines.
Just 12 minutes into the clash, Jack Grealish latched on to a De Bruyne through ball, jinked past Dayot Upamecano and teed up his new teammate to score a routine tap-in.
However, this was just a sign of things to come throughout the encounter.
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As the England international shone with a Man of the Match display, his link-up play with Haaland was extremely encouraging.
The former Borussia Dortmund goalscorer constantly found the right spaces to receive Grealish’s passes, while the latter always looked to involve the Sky Blues’ marquee signing into proceedings.
As the potentially deadly duo combined for the opener and ultimately, the deciding goal of the contest, a chat between them surfaced in the tunnel at half-time.
Erling Haaland first told Jack Grealish: “That’s why I’m here. Exactly this ball, that’s why I’m here.”
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The latter replied: “As soon as I do it the first time, man has got that big, long leg out!”
Staying in sync in the aforementioned manner is what could lead to a frightening partnership for years to come.
Ultimately, it seems as if both Haaland and Grealish have struck up a bond off the pitch as well.
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The ex-Aston Villa skipper posted a selfie via Instagram, wishing the striking phenomenon on his 22nd birthday.
The £100 million man also filmed his compatriot up top while he stood up to give a birthday speech in front of his teammates.
As the pair engaged in a warm embrace after the strike, it seems clear that Haaland and Grealish are on the same wavelength so far.
Seeing that in action throughout the course of next season would be a sight to behold for City fans.
Topics: Manchester City, Jack Grealish, Erling Haaland, Premier League
Srinivas Sadhanand