What new signing Erling Haaland can bring to Borussia Dortmund
Highly rated striker Erling Haaland has rejected the likes of Manchester United, Juventus and RB Leipzig to join Borussia Dortmund on a long term deal.
Haaland has been on an absolute tear this year in both the Champions League and the Austrian Bundesliga with 8 goals in 6 games and 16 goals in 14 games respectively. His performances made him one of Europe’s most wanted players, but ultimately Borussia Dortmund beat off the competition to sign him. So what can the Norwegian international bring to the Westfalenstadion?
One of Haaland’s greatest assets which is a massive bonus to a club like Borussia Dortmund is his adaptability. Although a striker, he can excel in just about every role a striker plays. Players such as Paco Alcacer, who is a notorious poacher with excellent finishing, wouldn’t quite excel as a false 9. Haaland, who has the natural goal-scoring ability, can also drop back and link up well with the wingers.
His game includes a creativity aspect to it which would allow him to create chances for his teammates. That is evidenced by his seven assists in all competitions so far this season.
Players such as Julian Weigl and Achraf Hakimi have shown their ability to adapt to new roles and positions which has worked extremely well for them and the team. There may even be a possibility to have both Paco Alcacer and Haaland on the pitch at the same time. Alcacer upfront with Haaland in the secondary striker role, should Reus be unavailable.
His possession game excels through his physical strength which allows him to stay on the ball while also getting past defenders and creating goalscoring opportunities. His pace is another huge asset which makes him a force to be reckoned with. Haaland reached a top speed of 36 km/h. To put it into perspective it is roughly the same top speed as Achraf Hakimi and just shy of Mbappe’s record speed of 38 km/h. An already pacey Dortmund attack bolstered by Haaland would lead to some deadly counter-attacks.
The Norweigan is also a massive threat in the air making him a great target man. A lot of Borussia Dortmund’s wing play involves crosses into the box. Sancho, Hazard, Hakimi, and even Piszczek can all provide Haaland with enough aerial service to keep the opposition on their feet, or in this case in the air at all times. But what truly makes a good striker is his ability to score goals and his conversion rate shows just that.
Haaland is a proper goal-scorer, who has all the attributes to succeed in the Bundesliga. His performances have earned comparisons with Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Those comparisons aren’t limited to his excellent eye for goal, but also his high confidence levels and mental strength.
He shows excellent awareness and movement, and often drifts into pockets of space to help his team create chances. He also shows great commitment, works hard for his team and presses high up the pitch, which is something not all strikers do.
Aside from his goalscoring statistics, his conversion rate is amongst one of the best in Europe. The 6’3 striker has the best shot conversion rate in the Austrian Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League. Furthermore, the Norwegian has created the most big chances in the Austrian Bundesliga ultimately making a near-perfect player.
While some still hold reservations about Haaland, he has showed his immense potential with his performances against Liverpool and Napoli this season. And he will only get better from here.
Price will not be an issue for the Black and Yellows as his release clause is a mere €20 million to gain his services. After getting a bargain deal for Paco Alcacer, this one might be an even better option. The Spaniard is suffering with his injury problems which is keeping him sidelined for a weeks on end. And the arrival of Haaland will mean that the goals don’t dry up in his absence.
Next. Five Borussia Dortmund signings that proved to be bargain buys. dark
January promises to be a busy time for Borussia Dortmund and signing Haaland just before the warm weather training camp in Marbella will allow him to get accustomed to life at his new club before the Bundesliga gets back underway in three weeks time.