Following Aguero’s departure at the end of the 2020-21 season, Manchester City won the 2021-22 Premier League title without an out-and-out striker in their squad.
Meanwhile, Liverpool, City’s only serious title rivals of the last few seasons, have also won trophies without a player you’d describe as a traditional striker in their starting 11. But the introduction of Erling Haaland to the City squad has turned all that on its head, and has shown that having an out-and-out striker who’s on top of his game is enough to make you one of the most feared outfits in the Premier League.
At Borussia Dortmund, Haaland was world-class and last campaign he netted 22 goals in 24 Bundesliga appearances, but this season, the Norwegian has completely altered the football world’s perception of what a top striker looks like statistically. The fact he has 18 goals after just 13 games is, quite simply, bonkers.
