Dietmar Hamann believes Erling Haaland could be the Premier League’s top scorer next season, but that will depend on his ability to adapt to Manchester City’s style of play.
The Norwegian star has completed his move to the Etihad Stadium after the champions triggered a £51million release clause in his contract with Borussia Dortmund.
As Pep Guardiola’s side look to retain their Premier League title next season, as well as challenge for the Champions League, the 21-year-old could have a big role to play and according to the former midfielder City Hamann’s pitch, the challenge for Haaland will be adapting to a new style of play.
Speaking on talkSPORT Drive, Hamann said: “I think he is capable of scoring the most league goals next season because he is part of a team that is likely to score the most league goals.
“He will have chances.
“Two things, he’s had quite a few muscle injuries in the last 18 months which usually isn’t a good sign for a young player, and he’s better when he has space because he has power and electric pace not only over five meters, but over 30 and 40 meters.
“If he has space he’s pretty much unstoppable, but he won’t get that space and Manchester City and this is the first time Guardiola has had a striker.
“It will be interesting to see how they develop, but he is an exceptional talent.”
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Hamann added: “He [Guardiola] likes to play wide players or midfielders up high who like to link play – he’s good with his feet but he’s not as good as a Grealish, or a Foden, or a Sterling who played up high.
“It will be interesting to see how they play because you have to feed him, but I don’t think they will be able to play like they used to play because the more straight you play the more goals he has.’ll probably get you.
“It’s fascinating because last year I said I could see him go anywhere but not Manchester City because he’s just not a player Pep Guardiola wants to be at the top. .
“He has it now and maybe he thinks he needs to change to win the biggest trophy in club football, the Champions League, but it remains to be seen how they play.”
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