‘Frankenstein!’ - Haaland predictions Man City fans will love but Carragher has one ‘question’

The Premier League champions have brought to an end one of the summer’s first transfer sagas by finally unveiled their new centre-forward.
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The 21-year-old arrives at the Etihad on a five-year contract after hitting 86 goals in 89 matches in Germany, and will officially become a City player on July 1st.

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But having impressing so much in the early stages of his career, how will the Norwegian fare in England?

We’ve gathered up a handful of predictions from some of the game’s leading pundits below...

Jamie Carragher

The former Liverpool defender has backed Haaland to hit the ground running in England, but has challenged the notion that his arrival will make City an omnipotent force next term.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “Brilliant signing - not just for Manchester City but for the Premier League. I think we are all intrigued as to how he will do. Along with [Kylian] Mbappe you feel he is one of the next two superstars to eclipse [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo and you are just delighted he’s in the Premier League.

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“He will score goals - that’s what he has been brought in to do, of course he will. But that doesn’t guarantee that City will win everything. They will have to integrate him into the team. That means City will lose a creative player who helps them keep the ball.

“There are lots of questions, including from myself. We will be analysing his performances at City and how he fits in. They had a world-class striker a few years ago in Sergio Aguero and they have another one now.”

Steve McManaman

Former City midfielder McManaman has also backed Haaland to make a major impact, and has even backed him to have a better individual season than any of Liverpool’s front line.

Speaking to SPORTbible, he said: “If he [Haaland] stays fit, I think he could be brilliant. I think Liverpool’s forwards will spread it around a bit more now.

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“One of them might be moved on next year… because you can’t keep five [attackers] happy. I think Liverpool will scatter their goals across the board next year.

“I think Haaland will outscore them all. If he has a season like [Romelu] Lukaku, it will be a huge shock. The way Manchester City play, I expect him to be a machine scoring goals.”

Danny Mills

Likewise, ex-City defender Mills is in no doubt whatsoever that the Norwegian will thrive at the Etihad.

Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “As long as he’s fit, I think he will go straight in and make an impact instantly.

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“City play 60 games a season across all competitions and if he plays in the majority of those he’ll score 40 goals.

“He’s an exceptional striker, he’s like a Frankenstein striker. If you were building the perfect striker from scratch, he’s not too far off it. He’s got height, pace, power, age, composure, drive, ability, headed goals, right-foot, left-foot, tap-ins, blasts, hold up play. I can’t find what he’s missing and needs to add to his game.”

Paul Robinson

Robinson has echoed the confident sentiments of his fellow pundits, but has also suggested that Haaland’s arrival could have a profound effect on how City approach the attacking side of their game moving forward.

Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “I expect him to have a massive impact in the first season.

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“The only thing that needs to be put into perspective is the amount of goals City score already. It would almost seem impossible for them to score more goals so I think he will just see City scoring different type of goals.

“They will have to adapt because they did not play with an out-and-out striker last season. Haaland is not going to play every game. They will revert back to playing the way they have done at times but when he does they need to adapt.

“I think he will have a huge impact though. He has all of the qualities and the assets to be a major success in the Premier League.

“Guardiola is clever enough to play to his strengths. They have brought him in to score goals so he will not play him out wide or as a false nine.”

David James

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The former City stopper has hailed the 21-year-old, but has also pointed out one key area in which the striker should look to better himself.

Speaking to Genting Casino, he said: “You could argue Haaland will improve Man City’s situation when it comes to the Champions League. There are bits around Haaland’s performance that need to considerably improve.

“He’s a fantastic goalscorer, without question, but it’s the way he scores goals that needs to be improved. It’s where he scores goals that need to be improved, he scores most of his goals at home.

“When you think about the Champions League and the crunch matches that aren’t at home, there will be areas for improvement. He’s 21 and under Pep, you could argue he’ll become better.

“If he becomes better then, of course, Man City will be in a better place to win the Champions League.”