It’s remarkable to think now but, when Erling Haaland first arrived at Manchester City, Pep Guardiola had notions about making him more involved in play. The Catalan wanted to “complete” him as a player. Even Guardiola soon realised it was better to let him at it. Haaland isn’t seen as a particularly good trainer. He’s not like the relentless Kevin De Bruyne.
That changes, of course, when the ball gets to Haaland. The City players can’t get near him because they can’t get around him. From there, the Norwegian offers the kind of devastating finishing they can’t get over.
