Haaland’s ‘new’ role: – Change the rulebook

15 Premier League goals and only 14 ball touches per goal.

That’s it for Erling Braut Haaland in Manchester City uniform. Brede Hangeland noticed the rather incredible stats.

As for Manchester City, I would say it has an almost entirely new role in football. It’s a new level of forward posture practice, I see, says Hangeland for TV 2.

The former goalkeeper, who works closely with Haaland in the national team, notes that the striker hardly takes part in the field game. Instead, Haaland lies forward and strengthens the opponent’s defense.

– It’s really something new to see. A turn player only comes alive once in a while, and when he does, the ball is in the net.

TV 2 asked Pep Guardiola about Hangeland’s statement at Friday’s press conference.

– I don’t know. Guardiola tells TV 2 that Erling is who he is as a footballer with his moves, the way he finds space, and his potential, adding:

– But I don’t know if he was a revolutionary, or if I had never seen anyone like him before. It’s the best so far, no doubt about it, but I didn’t think about your question.

– If you look at these numbers, you wouldn’t want to sign Haaland

However, Mike Minnai, a journalist for BBC Radio in Manchester, has no doubts that the way Haaland plays forward is unique.

– If you look exclusively at stats like the number of ball touches, crosses, how many meters he runs… If you look at these numbers, you wouldn’t sign Haaland. And then you look at the touches at the result… It’s absolutely incredible.

Minai highlights Halland’s first goal against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League.

– He’s the perfect example. One touch, one degree. It’s hard to say Haaland hasn’t changed what the striker should be doing. He changed the rule book.

Klopp wants to avoid the United trap

The BBC believes the way Haaland is playing is a huge advantage for Manchester City.

– You see that the defenders are trying to stay close to him. It creates space for others, such as Foden, Mahrez and Grealish.

A source told me that in the derby against United, City knew they wanted Haaland to celebrate, so the plan was for Foden to be available. Both scored a hat trick.

A similar trap that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp wants to avoid when Liverpool and Manchester City meet on Sunday. The German realized that he could not put more players to take care of the Norwegian.

– Then you open up space for other world-class players and that won’t make life any easier. Klopp concludes that it is a challenge, but we will try to solve it.

Read all about Haaland in TV 2’s Brautometer!