Haaland is our main option - and for good reason. But that's overlooking the big tactical change we're now struggling with.
With a false 9 we essentially have an extra player in midfield and are much more able to control the game - we've become accustomed to playing this way.
With Haaland though - we have an awesome threat at striker- a true #9. But Haaland can't help much in build up - he's the best striker in world football - but as a build-up, player - he's at best average.
The change to accommodate Haaland is huge - we've recently tried shifting our right-back into midfield to maintain the same numerical advantage at mid - meanwhile having a top striker. This hasn't gone as well as might be hoped.
I know that this is anathema to the way we now play - but what about going full-out offense when we have the ball - and rapid pressing when out of possession? A huge shift in playstyle - but one, that would, IMO, best take advantage of Haaland's pace, goalscoring ability and relative lack of build up skills. To best-implement this style, we'll need young, aggressive, fast players - able to go all-out for most of the game.
