Erling Haaland faced a challenging evening against formidable adversaries as Manchester City failed to score in their inaugural Champions League encounter of the season against Inter Milan.
Thierry Henry thinks that Erling Haaland’s capabilities are constrained when compared to those of Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane.
The former Spurs player excelled for the German club in a 9-2 victory over Dinamo Zagreb, becoming the highest English goalscorer in Champions League history by scoring four goals against the Croatian team. Haaland has a challenging evening on Wednesday as Manchester City was unable to score at home against Inter Milan.
The Norwegian striker possesses an exceptional goalscoring record in the Champions League, having netted 41 goals in 40 outings within the tournament. Haaland is pursuing his 100th goal for Manchester City, having recently begun his third season with the club; nevertheless, he recorded only one shot and 14 touches versus Inter.
Micah Richards indicated that Haaland experiences frustration due to the necessity of maintaining a position high on the pitch. Henry promptly inquired whether the striker might assume a deeper position, nevertheless.
Is he able to descend and get the ball? The Arsenal icon stated. Richards responded: “It is not his style of play.”
“I am aware that it is not,” Henry persisted. “Do you believe he can receive the ball and create opportunities?” Do you possess the capability?
“His performance is not as satisfactory as we would prefer, however, I believe his overall game has improved compared to last season,” stated Richards.
CBS Sports presenter Kate Scott inquired of Henry if he believed Haaland has that capability. The Frenchman unequivocally stated that he does not consider the City player to has the same abilities as Kane.
The former Montreal Impact manager stated, “I do not believe he is capable.” “Position yourself centrally and perform as Kane is capable of doing?” At this moment? Negative. I believe he has the potential for improvement. At present, he is unable to accomplish it.
“Indeed, he is not required to [drop deep],” said Richards. “Certainly, he is not required to,” Henry said. “Cities are consistently vigilant; such actions are seldom necessary.”
I was only asserting that, at this moment, I believe he is incapable of doing that. He will ultimately, at some point, do that. However, at this moment, he is unable to do so.
This is not the first instance in which Haaland’s proficiency at deeper positions has been scrutinized. In 2024, Roy Keane garnered attention for asserting that the 24-year-old’s overall performance was inadequate during a challenging match against Arsenal.
The quality of his whole performance is really subpar. “Not only today, but in general,” stated Keane.
“He is the best in the world in front of goal, yet his overall performance is lacking.” He resembles a League Two player. That is my perspective of him. His overall performance must enhance. It will suffice in the forthcoming years. While being an exceptional attacker is commendable, he must enhance his whole gameplay.
