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Started 1997-98 as a sub but became part of the starting eleven.
Not the most creative force in the side, but he has provided some
solidity in front of the defence with a particularly impressive
performance in the home win over Manchester United.
He was sent off against Chelsea for kicking out at DiMatteo. Why
did he do this? Probably because DiMatteo - who had already been
booked - had just punched him in the throat. Strangely enough, the
referee - Graham Poll, known as "The Thing from Tring" - didn't
notice the punch, so Haaland returned to the dressing room
alone.
Having established himself in the first team, he suffered a
serious injury to his foot in a challenge with Vieira at Arsenal
that put him out of action at a crucial point in the season.
Back as a regular at the start of the 98-99 season, he continued
to deliver solid performances in a team where there is much
competition for defensive midfield slots and has filled in as a
makeshift centreback as imjuries and suspensions have left us light
in that area.
In 1999-2000, he found himself very much on the sidelines, only
making the occasional appearance and was well down the midfield
pecking order. He said he wanted to fight his way back into the
side, but his hopes for further first team - and international -
appearances looked more likely to lie away from Elland Road.
In summer 2000, Joe Royle stepped in with an offer that took
Alfi over the Pennines to Maine Road for £2.8 million - not a
bad profit, but he was a good versatile defender/midfielder and
made useful contributions from the bench or covering for injuries
and suspensions - we're sorry to see him go.
A vicious tackle from Roy Keane - revenge apparently for Haaland
abusing Keane at Elland Road after a similarly bad lunge by the Man
U Head Thug had gone wrong, damaged his ligaments and knocked him
out for the season - has done much to restrict his appearances over
the last couple of years. Following the publication of Keane's
autobiography, Haaland and City are now set to sue Keane and Man U
for the damage done.
tom says: i bought him a car
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