Manchester City finally replaced Sergio Aguero by signing Erling Haaland this summer and big things are expected of the 21-year-old after he scored 86 goals in 89 games for former club Borussia Dortmund (2020 – 2022).
Haaland is already one of the most prolific strikers in Europe and has the potential to become the best in his position under Pep Guardiola, so Paul Robinson can’t wait to see him in the Premier League next season.
City scored 99 goals in 38 league games this season (2.6 goals per game), so Haaland is at the perfect club to realise his potential. Robinson warned that Guardiola will have to adapt to Haaland after going so long without a recognised centre-forward but believes he’ll be an asset not a hindrance.
He told Football Insider: “I expect him to have a massive impact in the first season. The only thing that needs to be put into perspective is the amount of goals City score already. It would almost seem impossible for them to score more goals, so I think he will just see City scoring different type of goals.
“They will have to adapt because they did not play with an out-and-out striker last season. Haaland is not going to play every game. They will revert back to playing the way they have done at times but when he does they need to adapt.
“He has all of the qualities and the assets to be a major success in the Premier League. Guardiola is clever enough to play to his strengths. They have brought him in to score goals so he will not play him out wide or as a false nine.”
Gabriel Jesus, Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling often led the line this season and were given license to roam in attack, but Haaland is more traditional. He’s more likely to occupy central areas and will flourish from balls being played into the box.
If Guardiola can encourage his wide players to cut balls back in the box, Haaland should get on the end of them.
In other news, Alan Hutton accuses Newcastle of overpaying for Nathan Ake