‘Those are the things..’ – Thierry Henry explains how Erling Haaland can get better

When Thierry Henry visited Monday Night Football last night, the Premier League great gave Manchester City striker Erling Haaland some pointers on a particular aspect of his game.

Despite missing a part of the season due to injuries, Haaland has had another successful year.

With 28 goals in 31 games, the Norwegian sensation has been a major contributor to City’s continued success at the top of the Premier League.

Compared to previous season, he hasn’t been quite as productive and has blown some excellent opportunities. It was quite remarkable, the miss against United, before he scored late. Haaland, though, is still a significant danger in front of goal.

Thierry Henry does see one area where Haaland might yet become better.

After examining Haaland’s skills, the illustrious former striker believes there is still one area in which he can still grow.

He said on Sky Sports: “If you don’t have anyone shielding that pass to you, so the two holding midfielders are in front of the two centre-backs. If not, they get killed. But that’s how ten Hag sees it. He sends them to mark the two 10s or the two eights. For me, if I’m a nine, that’s amazing. That ball can come to you with no one shielding it.”

“When that ball comes, Jonny Evans reads when Rodri is going to play that ball. Not Haaland. Those are the things that I think he can get better at. We’re not talking about him scoring because he is second to none.

“By losing that ball, you end up almost conceding a goal.

“Same thing here. There is a ball for City, he goes into between the two centre-backs. Evans has an eye on Stones because that’s not normal for him to be there. So he’s going to go. Once you (Haaland) see that, you make a run. You mentioned before, we mentioned Drogba, Viduka.