Haaland v Havertz: a style subplot as City’s goal machine meets Arsenal’s false 9

The teams are very different in style when it comes to their centre-forwards. Manchester City have arguably the world’s best No 9 in Erling Haaland, whereas Kai Havertz assumes the role of a false 9 forfrom Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2022. Pep Guardiola identified what City needed to do to go from Champions League challengers to winners, effectively selecting four centre-backs and buying a striker who could make the difference.

It is Haaland’s movement that makes the difference. There is a similarity to Lionel Messi in that the best players can look as if they are out of the game, opponents drop their guard and then all of a sudden they score a goal. Arsenal’s centre-backs will be acutely aware of that. Arteta also brought in David Raya whose distribution, especially when going long, is some of the best in the business. If a team are more direct at times, they require someone who can hold the ball up, flick it on and bring a little physicality up the pitch, which Havertz offers. I think false 9 is his best position, even though he is versatile. When he was at Bayer Leverkusen he looked at ease in the role.

Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Germany raise Euro 2024 hopes as Wirtz and Havertz shock France in LyonToni Kroos returned and Florian Wirtz scored the fastest Germany goal ever as the Euro 2024 hosts defeated France 2-0 in Lyon
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »

Kai Havertz heads late winner as Arsenal go top with win over BrentfordKai Havertz’s late winner gave Arsenal a priceless victory in the title race as the Gunners went top after a 2-1 win over Brentford
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »

Kai Havertz’s late winner sends Arsenal top while Frank rages over ‘dive’Kai Havertz’s late winner gave Arsenal a priceless victory in the title race as the Gunners went top after a 2-1 win over Brentford
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »

Manchester City scare as Erling Haaland limps out of training for NorwayErling Haaland has limped out of training while on international duty with Norway
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »

Núñez and Haaland are the headline acts in Anfield’s cauldron of chaosThe strikers are both enjoying fine seasons, but don’t expect every chance to be taken when Manchester City visit Liverpool
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »

Haaland’s ice-cold swipe at Liverpol star ahead of biggest PL match of 2024UCL: Manchester City and Real Madrid have progressed to the quarters of the Champions League after beating Copenhagen and Leipzig, respectively.
Source: FOXSportsAUS - 🏆 24. / 51 Read more »