Former striker Gabriel Agbonlahor thinks that Erling Haaland contributes too little to Man City’s play in the 2022/23 season.
“I want to see Man City play without Haaland in the team. In the next matches, they can use the same tactics as the 2021/22 season. I also want to see Phil Foden play a virtual striker, on the left wing is Jack Grealish and the right wing is Riyad Mahrez. In midfield, my choices are Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri,” Agbonlahor shared on Sport Bible on January 28.
“You can see Man City will play better without Haaland. In the last few games, I have seen Haaland just waiting for De Bruyne’s passes and scoring. He doesn’t help link the game at Man City. Haaland also did not actively receive the ball or close to the opponent’s defender,” analyzed the former Aston Villa striker.
Haaland just scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 victory over Wolves in the Premier League on January 22. However, to the match against Arsenal in the FA Cup 5 days later, the Norwegian striker was empty. Man City still won thanks to the only goal of Nathan Ake.
Agbonlahor further analyzed: “When he was at Dortmund , Haaland used to go back to the middle of the field to receive the ball, then make a quick situation through 1-2 opponents. I have not seen that at Man City at the moment.”
“Previously, Man City allowed midfielders to enter the opponent’s penalty area. This made it impossible for your team to organize an effective siege. Anyone had to alternate positions on the field. Currently, Haaland can be lost if two defenders are closely followed. Coach Pep Guardiola may consider changing tactics, “said the former Aston Villa striker.
Agbonlahor scored 87 goals for Aston Villa in 391 games. He also has three caps for England during his career.
