9 | Erling Haaland - 2023/24

[Keeper!]

The mark of a world class striker is to score in those big big games . To make a tight 0-0 into a 1-0 victory and land a trophy. So far he's been underwhelming in these huge games. Its OK scoring 5 against some minnow but greatness well we have yet to see it. Fingers crossed he delivers in the upcoming mega games.

We won a treble with the big fella up front and he was a huge part of that during the WHOLE season.

 

[BlueTG]

We won a treble with the big fella up front and he was a huge part of that during the WHOLE season.

He’s only scored against every team in the league so far in his time here, scored in every Champions League round except for the Semi and Final, and bagged in the FA cup.

Shite. Get rid.

 

[Gaylord du Bois]

I'd like to see Pep have him drift wider at times, away from the centre circle. Just so we can stretch the opposition shape. All to often he's doubled up on through the middle with his back to goal. It would certainly get him into the game more.

 

[supercity88]

I'd like to see Pep have him drift wider at times, away from the centre circle. Just so we can stretch the opposition shape. All to often he's doubled up on through the middle with his back to goal. It would certainly get him into the game more.

If he did that we'd then be whingeing he wasn't in the box to finish the chances!

He could definitely do better with his hold up play, but I still believe he's doing a lot to take the opposition defenders out of the game and often someone else needs to use that space. If Rudiger wants to cuddle him tonight, fine. Haaland can just move into an area which creates space for someone else to run through.

 

[Gaylord du Bois]

If he did that we'd then be whingeing he wasn't in the box to finish the chances!

He could definitely do better with his hold up play, but I still believe he's doing a lot to take the opposition defenders out of the game and often someone else needs to use that space. If Rudiger wants to cuddle him tonight, fine. Haaland can just move into an area which creates space for someone else to run through.

I meant more specifically when receiving the ball around the halfway line. The outcome seems frustratingly predictable at times.
I agree about Rudiger. He'll be all over him like a cheap suit.

 

[supercity88]

I meant more specifically when receiving the ball around the halfway line. The outcome seems frustratingly predictable at times.
I agree about Rudiger. He'll be all over him like a cheap suit.

There's plenty for him to learn. Henry did quite a good analysis last season in terms of making movements that suit the different players. De Bruyne you can just run and he'll find you. Others need you to come short and return the ball to them, or make a different movement. We've not quite found the balance this season in terms of defence and attack so Haaland inevitably can look completely out of the game at times. If Rudiger is going to get tight, then moving into wider or deeper areas to drag him out of position makes sense, as long as someone else uses that space themselves.

Real are hard to judge having not played in so long and also having not fielded Rodrygo/Vinicius/Bellingham in their last CL game. But they were so open at times and Leipzig manipulated them really well but were wasteful. If they defend in the same way then Haaland can definitely be the foil for the likes of Foden and De Bruyne to exploit space.

 

[KennyG]

Time for the flat track bully to show up….

 

[Betterdeedthan red]

I'd like to see Pep have him drift wider at times, away from the centre circle. Just so we can stretch the opposition shape. All to often he's doubled up on through the middle with his back to goal. It would certainly get him into the game more.

I'd like to see him carry on like he is.
He's the best ever.
He will get his form back

 

[ken tali]

I hate Rüdiger so so much ,disgusting player ,but he is winning every single battle against Haaland atm...comon, wake up !

 

[Turner92]

How can you be built like he is and have such bad hold up play and be so poor in the air? Absolutely useless tonight