Rio Ferdinand has jumped to the defence of under-fire Man City striker Erling Haaland amid recent suggestions that the record-breaking goalscorer makes Pep Guardiola’s side worse.

City are amidst a crisis after they were charged with over 100 rule breaches by the Premier League, but there has also been focus on Haaland’s contribution to the team following a run of difficult performances.

City produced another unusually poor performance in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at Spurs that saw them fail to pounce on a golden opportunity to close the gap to league leaders Arsenal.

Haaland didn’t manage a shot on target for the first time this season, but former Man United defender Ferdinand justifiably protested the Norwegian’s innocence in City’s latest showings.

‘I see some people saying he has made Man City worse. I don’t know how you can put 25 goals into a team and it makes you worse,’ Ferdinand told his FIVE Youtube channel.

‘I can’t get my head around it, just can’t. One thing in the way he plays that is definitely a negative to the way they [City] play compared to last season and the season before is there number nine before would drop in whether it’s Jesus, they would Gundogan sometimes, Foden, Sterling, that number nine would drop in and create an overload.

‘Even more numbers so the dominance and control of games was probably a bit more superior in seasons gone by and that would have been one of the key elements,’ he added.

The 22-year-old has hit stunning numbers during his debut season in the English top-flight, bagging 25 goals in 20 appearances under the stewardship of Guardiola, but has been questioned in recent games.

Ferdinand explained that Haaland’s classic striker instincts mean City have lost part of their control but insisted his threats in the box makes him a crucial asset.

‘Haaland is an out-and-out number nine, he stays high and occupies the centre-half so they have one less body coming back behind the ball,’ said Ferdinand.

‘He gives you that something else they never had, that threat in the box, he finishes the chances off and his connection with De Bruyne earlier int he season no one was moaning then when the goals were going.

‘He’s a great addition, he’s the best thing since sliced bread. What I would say is I hope Pep is showing them videos when their first ball sometimes isn’t him.

‘He is creating opportunities but is sometimes not being seen. The team have to take responsibility as well not just him.