9 | Erling Haaland - 2024/25

[hilts]

Honestly I do wonder if Pep wanted him, he’s not a Pep style player but obviously was the best CF in the world at the time, but that was playing to his style, he had an unreal first season, something no one could’ve dreamed of, but we had prime KDB to feed him, now we don’t. Second season also very good, but Peps style has always been small mobile players, Aguero once “he got it” was a perfect fit. Now I’m not saying Alvarez is a better goal scorer but he’s a better footballer who contributed far more to the team, if we didn’t have Haaland he could’ve reached Aguero levels in time I’m sure of it. Pep has now to change to wingers to create chances as KDB is clearly in decline, so unless we can find a new KDB or please god the next David Silva, Haaland will not prosper as he once did, he will be feeding off scraps. We need to turn into a counter attacking team to get the most from him with what we have, Pep will nit do this.
Haaland will not extend his contract unless he can see big changes, I wouldn’t blame him tbh, so we’ve got one more season before we cash in, like ley go to Madrid, but good luck fitting into that system with those egos, Barca are skint so can’t see him going there.

I agree with all that. I have no idea what Pep will do or what type of players we want or can get. I think it's gonna be an interesting year 2025 for us.

 

[Saddleworth2]

Got service yesterday and missed a penalty. Let’s not make excuses for excuses sake.
Last 13 games he’s had 20 shots on target with an XG of 8.4 and has scored only 3.

Let’s not pretend he’s been anywhere near remotely good enough.

Other than the penalty he didn't have a chance yesterday so where was this service you speak of?

 

[dancity19]

Other than the penalty he didn't have a chance yesterday so where was this service you speak of?

Enough balls to try and find him yesterday. Far more than usual. Just because he didn’t make a chance from them. Also other chances in recent games he hasn’t put away. As the XG vs goals scored highlights.

 

[SiMCFC]

There were plenty of crosses Yesterday where he stands behind the defender (who inevitably clears it before it drops on his head) rather than busting a gut to get in front of them like he did the first season he was here. He's also staying at the back post hoping one of our floated corners will somehow pass everyone and land on his head, when he does jump it's either too early or too late. Plods around when we are attacking staying offside so there isnt an early ball if we decided to send one over the top. Absolutely stinking the place out but he's getting away with it because of the first season and a half.

 

[sir baconface]

Honestly I do wonder if Pep wanted him, he’s not a Pep style player but obviously was the best CF in the world at the time, but that was playing to his style, he had an unreal first season, something no one could’ve dreamed of, but we had prime KDB to feed him, now we don’t. Second season also very good, but Peps style has always been small mobile players, Aguero once “he got it” was a perfect fit. Now I’m not saying Alvarez is a better goal scorer but he’s a better footballer who contributed far more to the team, if we didn’t have Haaland he could’ve reached Aguero levels in time I’m sure of it. Pep has now to change to wingers to create chances as KDB is clearly in decline, so unless we can find a new KDB or please god the next David Silva, Haaland will not prosper as he once did, he will be feeding off scraps. We need to turn into a counter attacking team to get the most from him with what we have, Pep will nit do this.
Haaland will not extend his contract unless he can see big changes, I wouldn’t blame him tbh, so we’ve got one more season before we cash in, like ley go to Madrid, but good luck fitting into that system with those egos, Barca are skint so can’t see him going there.

Thoughtful post. We probably bought him because passing up the opportunity was unthinkable, but then had to shoehorn him into our set-up. He scored loads because he was in a dominant team but was always a force fit. Now we are labouring, and giving him no service, he’s like a fish out of water.

I can’t see any chance of him extending unless there’s something of an upheaval in playing style and fortunes which suits him.

P.S. When people say he’s a fast track bully, they overlook his output for Norway. Granted, he’s not generally up against 11-man defences but Norway are only a moderate side.

 

[Saddleworth2]

Enough balls to try and find him yesterday. Far more than usual. Just because he didn’t make a chance from them. Also other chances in recent games he hasn’t put away. As the XG vs goals scored highlights.

Yeah I saw a couple from Phil but neither were good enough to provide a chance. The fact you say 'far more than usual' says it all. He has missed chances for sure but what striker doesn't. I think a combination of the ridiculous 'holding' that seems ok every time he steps into the box + a lack of ammunition has hit his confidence for six. Mind you, he is far from alone in that.

 

[Blue Maverick]

Problem is he is here now and we need to be playing to his strengths to have any chance of keeping him but we won’t because pep will carry on doing the sand tactics playing the same team bringing in the same subs and we will carry on getting beat and drawing games untill we run out of games .

We don’t have the players to play to his strengths unless we completely change our style and that isn’t happening, the only thing that might make him stay rather than Madrid in after next season is do Madrid play to his strengths and the egos that are there?

 

[Lovebitesandeveryfing]

Do you think Pep and the rest of the coaching staff thought Foden would be that player this season?

I agree it was crazy to let Alvarez go. As prolific has Palmer has been, he wouldn’t have been the same player here as he’d not have been given the chance. He probably should have been given how direct and confident in himself as he was when he did play for us.

As for Foden, I have no idea. What's sure is he's not doing it, for whatever reason.
As for Alvarez and Palmer, it's one thing to let them go. You can argue that one way or the other. But before doing so, Txiki and Pep should have been absolutely sure that they had someone of real quality to bring in. That's my beef. Nunes is not that player (and by the way, I'm not having a go at Nunes, I think he's taken absurd criticism on here, but he's no number 10). Neither is Savinho.

 

[Gaz (FMwkdsoul)]

Watching 100 shoulder drops before a cross, having to constantly check his runs and guess when the ball is coming (if ever). Needs some first time service, looks fed up currently when its out wide.

 

[WesthoughtonJohn]

I can see Barcelona for all of their financial issues, somehow pulling off the impossible and landing him. Somehow these guys are always bailed out and come up with the cash. They will want a Lewandowski successor (with him off the books it should be doable) and someone to rival Mbappe at Madrid.

The same Barca that are currently struggling to get Olmo registered for January.
Yeah we'll sell him for a packet of pork scratchings and he'll pay them to play.
Give over