\n<\/p>\n
It is that issue Guardiola was trying to address when he called contacts in Germany to check up on Marmoush after sporting director Txiki Begiristain had put the Egyptian’s name forward as a part of City’s overall \u00a3180m January transfer window spend.<\/p>\n
“When Txiki came to me I said, because of the season we had, the more players you bring the better,” said Guardiola.<\/p>\n
“I called some contacts in Germany because I have friends there. I asked a few things and there was a high opinion in many things; behaviour, in training sessions, goals.<\/p>\n
“He’s young and comes here to make his career. That is why the club decides. They always have the last word.”<\/p>\n
Marmoush had already demanded attention through the 20 goals he scored for Eintracht in the first half of this season.<\/p>\n
At 26, City were buying someone approaching the prime of their career.<\/p>\n
On the evidence of his performance against Newcastle, Marmoush drives forward with purpose when the ball is at his feet, is quick and can find space. <\/p>\n
Evidently he presents a danger opposition defences cannot ignore \u2013 and Newcastle could not contain.<\/p>\n
That, in turn, may take some of the focus away from Haaland.<\/p>\n
“Everything about his game was impressive,” former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer said on Match of the Day. <\/p>\n
“Already he has a good understanding with Haaland. Newcastle couldn’t live with him.”<\/p>\n
“We knew with the dynamic he would be good,” added Guardiola. “In Germany he made good numbers and he had three chances last week against [Leyton] Orient but didn’t score.<\/p>\n
“He likes to attack the space. It is simple. When you play well, everybody adapts quick. Hopefully he can handle the biggest compliments because they will come now.”<\/p>\n
It was one of those rare occasions when Haaland didn’t score and contributed a single assist, for James McAtee, six minutes from time.<\/p>\n
Yet his industry was notable, leading from the front in a performance befitting his status as captain for the first time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n