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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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