Premier League 2022/23: Why Erling Haaland & Man City Must Both Adapt – Scout Report

As early as May, two of the most eye-catching players already settled on their destination for the 2022/23 season.

Kylian Mbappé would be staying in France as he signed a new contract with PSG, while Erling Håland did not go to Real Madrid either, instead, joining Man City to challenge the Premier League.

Despite Pep Guardiola finally getting a proper goal-scorer, analysis pointed out that the Norwegian wonderkid might not be able to fit into City’s structure.

Håland’s playing experience out of his home country included a spell at RB Salzburg under Jesse Marsch, and then to Borussia Dortmund with Marco Rose.

Both coaches were emphasizing work against the ball, but with the ball, City were far more demanding.

This Erling Haaland scout report will explain in what aspects Håland and City would need to do to adapt to each other, because football, is not only one way.

The strengths of Haaland

When it comes to Haaland’s personal ability, we had some tactical analysis explaining his strengths and movements earlier this year.

Particularly, we are focusing on his strong capacity to make runs behind and his competence in the penalty box.

When his team is in possession and in the last third, Håland showed great intention to attack spaces behind with runs.

In the first image against Union Berlin, the Norwegian player showed great non-verbal communication as he pointed where he wanted the ball – on the defender’s blindside.