The Erling Haaland Impact/Effect

Is Erling Haaland struggling or out of form? Man City International welcomes Cityzens Fancast to elaborate on the superstar striker’s impact outside of his goal contributions.

We all know Erling Haaland for the obvious roles and titles he takes on, world class striker, Golden Boot winner, Treble winner, but what does he bring on days when the goals don’t happen? In a year where he has 8 goals in 8 Premier League appearances it seems bizarre to have questions on his form and output. So the question is, how does he effect each match and take on the roles that aren’t always noticed? In a season where Haaland has not yet been able to link up with Kevin De Bruyne, he seems to be under more of a microscope than in the past.

Being in Pep’s squad, Haaland is going to press defenders when out of possession but what Haaland does ensures that the team is not left exposed. Before he presses, he ensures the team is pressing together and in unison. He can often be seen urging his midfielders to back him up and fill open space, thus cutting off a passing lane that could be left open due to his press. Although he doesn’t win the ball often in these scenarios, his diligence and knowledge to press the defense as a unit, gives City a chance to win the ball much higher. This will often lead the opposing team to continue to pass the ball backwards, or attempt a pass over the top. These passes over the top give us a 50/50 ball with our strong, physical defenders that can win these duels and lead to regaining possession.

There is more to his play other than pressing out of possession. He has the ability to affect the game off the ball while in possession. Given how much of a scoring threat he is, the defense needs to give him constant attention. Most instances he will make runs off the ball that open up space for other players. Obviously in these scenarios he may be looking for a pass but it works to open up the middle of the field more as well. When he makes runs through the middle of the defense, he drags one or both of the center backs out of position. They are so worried of being beat by him they follow his run. A good example of this was the Champions League final. His run through the middle late in the game forced an extra defender to follow, this opened up space at the edge of the box for Foden to run into and get a shot off. It didn’t result in a goal but the opportunity doesn’t open up without Haaland’s run.

The last and probably most obvious way Haaland affects the game without goals is with his hold up play. Without De Bruyne’s presence, Haaland has turned into more a player to be relied on in give and go’s especially with the increase of minutes for Alvarez. Haaland’s strength gives him the ability to hold off a defender long enough to receive and lay off a pass. All these situations show Haaland’s uniqueness and star potential outside of being the world class goal scorer.

Written by: Cityzens Fancast

Edited by: SHEIKH