Roy Keane has doubled down on his recent Erling Haaland criticism, to the bemusement of JJ Watt, the latest guest on Stick to Football.
Watt, a former NFL defensive end with the Houston Texans, is now a minority investor with Burnley and he pulled up a chair with Gary Neville et al for the latest edition of the podcast.
The conversation largely centred around Watt's transition from NFL superstar to Premier League owner but the team also touched on topical stories, such as Keane's recent comparison of Haaland's all-round play to that of a League 2 player.
In a clip shared on social media, Watt seemed flabbergasted by Keane's assessment of the big Norwegian, but the Corkman had no intention of backing down on his opinion.
Roy Keane doubles down on Haaland criticism
"Are you smoking weed at home?" Watt asked the ex-Ireland skipper, to the trademark guffaws of Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville.
"I don't know what the big deal is," responded Keane. "I give him praise every week, I give Man City praise and I think he's an amazing striker but his general play is that of a League Two player. I'm glad you're not agreeing with me, I don't expect people to agree with me. His general play, week in week out, is nowhere near good enough."
When reminded by Watt that Haaland finished as runner-up to Lionel Messi in the latest Ballon D'or, an increasingly frustrated Keane gave the forward his due praise but clarified what he meant by his overall point.
JJ Watt having none of Keane's assessment
"His general play is that of a League Two player!" 😳
"He knows how to get the clicks!" 🤣
Roy responds to his comments on Erling Haaland to @JJWatt! 👀 pic.twitter.com/Y4574XfaWC— The Overlap (@WeAreTheOverlap) April 11, 2024
"As a goalscorer and a striker, the best, and I said that. Jesus, this is what happens when people don't listen. His link-up play, the way he lays the ball off, sometimes the options he gives his teammates or the options he doesn't give them.
"As a striker and goalscorer the best in the world but some of his other play is that of a League 2 player."
Unlike regular football guests who may be reluctant to take Keane on, Watt was nothing of the sort, saying that the Corkman "knows how to get the clicks" when he suggests that Haaland is at a League 2 level.
That's certainly been true over the years and on this particular point, Keane is certainly sticking to his guns.
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