Erling Haaland has now shared how defenders have tried to limit his influence this season.
Some might claim that the approach defences have taken this season in trying to keep Haaland quiet has worked to a tee.
After all, the £51 million man is not on track to score 36 goals in the Premier League like during his debut campaign at Manchester City.
But then again, the City striker has scored 20 goals in the league with six games to go, which shows that he has yet another enviably fruitful season.
However, the question is whether Haaland’s influence has been limited by certain defensive tactics or his own wasteful finishing at times.
A question such as this is likely to garner several different responses.
Haaland shares how defenders have tried to stop him this season
Some might believe that a specific profile of centre-back has proven to be perfect to try and stop Haaland from running riot.
That is, an aggressive and front-footed defender, like Gabriel Magalhaes or Antonio Rudiger.
Two centre-backs who have had successful outings up against the 23-year-old, as they did not shy away from competing in duels against one of the strongest players in the world.
However, in certain games, Haaland’s finishing has been poor and as Hutchison pointed out, he could have granted De Bruyne two assists against Luton Town on Saturday.
Some might feel that a combination of the treble-winner’s uncharacteristically unreliable finishing in some games coupled with aggressive defenders thriving against the star striker have led to him having a slight drop-off in form this campaign.
Haaland was asked the question about whether he has felt defenders have been far more aggressive and focused in their approach against him this season.
Erling Haaland feels that is the case when looking back at the difference in their outlook from his debut campaign.
“Yeah, definitely. It’s more focused, I can feel that, as you just saw here [a clip of Marc Cucurella dragging Erling Haaland to the floor] but again, focus more on me, it opens [up] opportunities for others so that’s also something we need to use”, he told Manchester City’s in-house media.
Incredible mentality from Erling Haaland
Perhaps some strikers, unlike Erling Haaland would not be happy about defenders being as physical as they have been with them to stop them from scoring goals.
But Haaland seemingly understands that such treatment comes with the territory of being a phenomenal number nine.
Other forwards like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were also on the receiving end of brutal challenges as teams had to resort to doing so just to keep them quiet.
However, what is interesting is how Erling Haaland sees the bright side of space opening up for his Manchester City teammates to take advantage of.
Ultimately, football is a team sport.
All that matters for winners like Erling Haaland is even if he does not score, his teammates can due to how preoccupied they are with keeping a close eye on him, which Don Hutchison pinpointed goes “unnoticed” about his game.
