'Reminds me of Haaland' - Kevin Kilbane issues intriguing verdict on Sunderland & Leeds United transfer target
Sunderland have been credited with an interest in Union Saint-Gilloise talent Promise David.
Former Sunderland winger Kevin Kilbane has compared Wearside-linked striker Promise David to Manchester City talisman Erling Haaland amid mounting speculation over the Canadian’s future.
According to a fresh report from TEAMtalk, the 24-year-old forward has attracted significant interest following an impressive spell with current club Union Saint-Gilloise. Sources cited by the outlet claim that Regis Le Bris’ side - alongside Premier League rivals Newcastle United, West Ham, Leeds United, and Brighton and Hove Albion - have been keeping a close eye on the player this season.
Following a relatively unorthodox career path that has taken him from his home country to Belgium via stints in Croatia, the USA, Malta, and Estonia, David looks to have really settled in recent years, and has registered 15 goals and two assists across 36 outings in all competitions this term.
It is within this context that the Canadian media are asking whether the attacker - who has three strikes to his name in eight senior international caps - should be head coach Jesse Marsch’s starting centre-forward at this summer’s upcoming North American World Cup.
And speaking to TSN last month, Kilbane offered his view on David’s national team prospects, while also drawing parallels between the emerging star and Premier League goal-scoring sensation Haaland.
What has Kevin Kilbane said about Sunderland-linked striker Promise David?
Addressing David’s eye-catching return in recent months, the ex-Sunderland talent said: “You’ve just said he’s in form... That’s an understatement. The type of goals that he scores - very, very different. He’s very good in the air, physically, we know that, but I think on the run away from defenders too... He reminds me of Erling Haaland, and I know it’s a big statement to say that because of the level he’s at, but he goes out of the game for long spells. I think that’s what Jesse Marsch maybe thinks he needs to improve on.
“You ask what he needs to improve in his overall game - probably his hold up play, probably his closing down, his work rate when they don’t have the ball. But given a chance, he scores, and that’s why I say you can make comparisons to Haaland, for the types of goals that he does score.”
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When asked directly whether he believes David should be Canada’s first choice number nine this summer, Kilbane responded: “Yes, I would, and it’s not just on form, because I think it’s something that we’ve constantly talked about. I think if you’re going to play that system, with Promise as a nine, I think right now, he’s showing that he’s more likely to score.”
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