Manchester City’s star striker Erling Haaland has adapted his game to fit in with Pep Guardiola’s side. While he has missed his side’s last seven games due to a foot injury, the signs were evident that Haaland had evolved his game so far this season.
Upon arriving from Borussia Dortmund last season City’s star striker was often on the periphery of games. It didn’t harm his goal-scoring prospects as Haaland set about obliterating goal-scoring records during his first season at the Etihad. This season City’s number 9 is their top scorer with 19 goals in 22 games. But on top of his goal scoring there had been an evolution to Haaland’s game.
The striker had started to become more involved in his side’s build-up play and more of a target man. Haaland was seen dropping deeper to receive the ball and helping to create space for his teammates with his movement. It is this evolution of his game that hasn’t been lost on his teammates.
Speaking with Spanish publication AS City’s midfield general Rodri spoke of the evolution of Haaland’s game. Rodri said: “He understood that we were a different team and he knew that he wasn’t going to be involved so much, that he should wait for the moment to finish. These are things that you have to adapt and learn. Now he is much more positive. He says: ‘Rodri, control of the game, control of the game. Forget about me’. That’s understanding the team. He’s improved a lot in coming to receive and in going into the space.”
While City’s star striker is recovering from a foot injury upon his return to Pep Guardiola’s side it will be interesting to see the next step in his development. Haaland will be keen to build on his positive start to the season when he returns.
