Major flaw in Erling Haaland’s game pointed out by Thierry Henry

Robin Bairner

• 24 Feb 2023 02:35 CST
• 4 min read

Erling Haaland has been given advice on where his game can improve to help Manchester City get more from him by France and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.

Haaland has made an electric start to his time in the Premier League since competing a €60 million move from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, scoring at a rate of more than a goal per game.

But questions have been raised over how he can better integrate into Man City’s setup, with the results of Pep Guardiola’s side having dipped marginally since he came into the team.

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Henry, who stands seventh in the all-time Premier League scoring charts, has given him some pointers where he could better help his new team-mates.

“We’re talking about him getting better, how can Manchester City get better, but from time to time, in some games away from home, can you also help your team-mates on the ball or help your team to come out or help your team around the box? I think it’s very important,” he told CBS Sports.

“When you look at the touches he’s had away from home in the opposition box, it’s not great. How can those numbers be better? It’s not criticism because what the guy is doing is crazy, but away from home in Europe and in the league sometimes, you have to do a bit more.”

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Where Haaland can improve

Henry went on to demonstrate his point by showing examples of movement from some of the world’s leading forwards. Whereas Haaland invariably charges into the centre of the box, others like Harry Kane and Karim Benzema show more subtly in their movement to create opportunities for their team-mates.

“Can he at times to the team and what the game is asking? But he’s done ever so well. There’s a difference between talking about a guy and being constructive about Man City and how he can get better.”

Man City are next in action against Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday before an FA Cup tie at Bristol City on Tuesday, with Haaland aiming to keep up his prolific scoring record in these two matches.