Former Ghanaian football star Charles Assampong Taylor has stirred controversy by suggesting that Erling Haaland, the prolific Manchester City striker, would struggle to secure a spot in Hearts of Oak's starting lineup due to his playing style.

Taylor, who earned legendary status in the Ghana Premier League during his playing days, expressed skepticism about Haaland's ability to contribute beyond scoring goals, citing concerns about his overall impact on the game.

Despite Haaland's impressive goal-scoring record, Taylor pointed out that the Norwegian striker's perceived limitations in influencing matches, particularly against formidable opponents, could hinder his chances of earning a place in Hearts of Oak's squad.

"The manager needs to speak to Haaland. His style of play isn't viable. If he were in Ghana, he wouldn't even start for Hearts of Oak," Taylor remarked during an appearance on Angel TV.

"He won't get into Hearts of Oak's starting lineup. He'll be on the bench with his style of play. He flops against the big teams. If you're a player who can't play against big teams, then how can you survive at Hearts of Oak?" he added.

Taylor's comments come amidst ongoing scrutiny of Haaland's performances, despite his prolific goal-scoring feats for Manchester City.

Despite netting 31 goals across all competitions this season, including in the Premier League, Haaland has faced criticism for his perceived inability to influence games when his team faces challenging opponents.

Notably, Taylor himself was renowned for his electrifying pace and skill on the flanks during his playing career, having been part of Hearts of Oak's iconic 64 Battalion that achieved a treble of league, FA Cup, and CAF Champions League triumphs in 2000.