One of the more frightening propositions for Manchester City’s rivals is the idea of Erling Haaland improving as a player. Across his first two seasons at the world champions, Haaland has established himself as the premier striker in world football. But despite this, there are still plenty of areas in Haaland’s game that he can improve. If he can add to his game then it could be a huge 24/25 season for the Norwegian international.
After two seasons at Manchester City Erling Haaland has scored 90 goals in 98 appearances. He has claimed the Premier League’s Golden Boot in back-to-back seasons. As a goal-scorer, Haaland is without parallel whether it be in England or across Europe. He has redefined the standards for which goal scorers are measured. But there is still room for improvement in Haaland’s game. That is where it becomes frightening for City’s rivals.
If Haaland can improve his build-up play, it will aid Manchester City tremendously. If he becomes a more prominent part of City’s possession-based game it will greatly benefit his teammates. The Norwegian international is no slouch in this department but he doesn’t feature prominently in City’s build-up play. The moment he does it creates more space for his teammates. Players such as Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne and others will prosper from Haaland developing just this side of his game. That is an example of one area where Erling Haaland could potentially improve as a player.
Manchester City’s star striker insists that his time at Manchester City has made him a better player.
While there are areas to improve in Haaland’s game City’s star striker believes he has improved as a player during his time at Manchester City. Speaking before Manchester City’s friendly against AC Milan Haaland told the media that he has improved as a player. He is also aiming to improve again this season. Erling Haaland told the media: “Yes (I’ve improved on) a lot of things. I try to become a better version of myself, both on the pitch and off the pitch. I have said many times before there are lots of things I can become better on. I’m working on that. Hopefully, I will be a better footballer and a better human, too, this season.”
On top of the potential for Erling Haaland to improve this season, City’s number nine will enter refreshed after a quiet summer. With Norway failing to qualify for the European Championships Haaland has had a sizable break ahead of the 24/25 season. He also spoke of this before City’s friendly against AC Milan. Haaland added: “I had my longest break since 2017 so that was nice. My body is fully rested, and I feel ready…. it felt amazing. I needed it. It was quite tired. It’s going to be a long season this year.”
There isn’t a long wait to see the improvement in Erling Haaland’s game.
While Manchester City and Erling Haaland continue their preparations for the 24/25 season in the United States there isn’t a long wait to see what improvements City’s number 9 has made to his game. The Premier League champions will take on FA Cup holders Manchester United in the FA Community Shield at the home of England football, Wembley Stadium on August 10. That will be the first opportunity for City fans to see if Haaland has made any improvements to his game over the summer in a competitive game. Based on Haaland’s exploits over the past two seasons there is little doubt that there will be improvement in Haaland’s game over the 24/25 season. The hope is that it will be on show against City’s arch-rivals at Wembley.
