We all know just how good Erling Haaland is at football. He only needs one chance, and more often than not, he'll score. But what makes him such a powerhouse is the combination of traits (pace, power, strength, hold-up, playmaking, etc.) that intertwine to make him the most frightening striker in the world. In order to defend against the world's best in Erling Haaland, you have to fully believe and embody the role of someone who can go toe-to-toe with the City man. Perhaps most importantly, you have to throw Haaland off his game, without stepping over a certain line of aggression. It might have gone under the radar as Arsenal claimed their first win over the Citizens in the Arteta era, but that is exactly what Gabriel accomplished on Sunday. Here is Game of Numbers #30.
Category: Striker
Game of Numbers #29 – Scoring goals is easy! – Ollie Watkins & Lautaro Martinez
Scoring goals is not always as easy as it looks! The best strikers in the world make it look oh so simple, but like the Wizards of Waverly Place theme song, it's not what it seems. Yet some players seem to find their way out of any situation. After this weekend's round of fixtures, I analyze two of those players who make scoring look oh so easy - Ollie Watkins and Lautaro Martinez. Here is Game of Numbers #29, featuring a pair who notched seven goals between them at the weekend.
Game of Numbers #27 – Heung Min-Son as the ‘9’ & Evan Ferguson’s hat-trick
In spite of Tottenham's formidable, unbeaten start to the season, something felt missing without the presence of a goal-scoring '#9' up front. It may have been the obvious move with Richarlison not exactly hitting the ground running, but Ange Postecoglou might just have found the perfect solution in Heung-Min Son. Here is Game of Numbers #27, featuring Son as a '#9', and Evan Ferguson's stellar hat-trick.
Lionel Messi at Inter Miami – Tactical Analysis
With the recent additions of FC Barcelona legends Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and of course, Lionel Messi, Inter Miami have suddenly built the most fun side in all of MLS. Inter Miami struggled to attain the success they wanted under Phil Neville, and getting the signature of former Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino might have been an equally valuable coup from the Florida-based club, ensuring they could have even more sway in the market. But since Messi's enter the fold in Florida, Inter Miami have been immensely fun to watch in the MLS, and have gone on an unbeaten run. Here is the heat that Messi has brought to Miami since joining in June.
Why Harry Kane is perfect for Bayern Munich
The Harry Kane saga has been the longest-standing sagas of all transfer happenings over the past few seasons. This week, it might finally come to an end with Bayern Munich putting down a bid that Tottenham would be crazy to turn down. It might be a hefty, club record-breaking fee, but Harry Kane perfectly fits the way that Thomas Tuchel wants to play. With that, here is what Kane will bring to Bayern, and why the club were so persistent in securing his signature.
Canadian Premier League Scouting Database – Myer Bevan
Perhaps more than any CPL striker, Myer Bevan nicely combines all the traits you'd want in a centre-forward. He's smooth on the ball, quick to beat his man when running the channels, proficient in front of goal, and a dominant battler. At 8 goals in his 16 appearances, Bevan currently leads the league in scoring alongside Terran Campbell.
Comparing the Canadian Premier League’s next best centre-forwards
The best strikers in the modern era are able to combine a vast array of skillsets. We've seen this play out in the CPL this season, with those unable to fully combine all the necessary skillsets also failing to turn their talents into goals. Here is my analysis of four of the next best centre-forwards in the CPL.
Comparing the Canadian Premier League’s elite centre-forwards
The best strikers in the modern era are able to combine a vast array of skillsets. We've seen this play out in the CPL this season, with those able to combine this 'all in one' approach excelling to new heights this season. Terran Campbell and Myer Bevan have been the two that have set the league on fire the most, but Shaan Hundal has also enjoyed a promising start to the season up front through being more than just a 'Target'.
