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Haaland V Nunez: A golden boot battle in the making

By James Fudge

Dortmund's Norwegian forward Erling Braut Haaland (L) celebrates scoring his team's third goal to lead 3:2 during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund and VfL Bochum in Dortmund, western Germany on April 30, 2022. - DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo by INA FASSBENDER / AFP) / DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)
Dortmund's Norwegian forward Erling Braut Haaland (L) celebrates scoring his team's third goal to lead 3:2 during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund and VfL Bochum in Dortmund, western Germany on April 30, 2022. - DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo by INA FASSBENDER / AFP) / DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Porto’s Brazilian midfielder Otavio (R) vies with Benfica’s Uruguayan forward Darwin Nunez (L) during the Portuguese League football between SL Benfica and FC Porto at the Luz stadium in Lisbon on May 7, 2022. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP) (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images)
Porto’s Brazilian midfielder Otavio (R) vies with Benfica’s Uruguayan forward Darwin Nunez (L) during the Portuguese League football between SL Benfica and FC Porto at the Luz stadium in Lisbon on May 7, 2022. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP) (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images) /

Many questions have been asked about how the two players will fit into the respective systems of the title rivals and whether there will be an immediate success.

Erling Haaland is not the square peg that can fit in circle holes with him being a centre forward first and foremost and will likely command that number nine position, or play just slightly deeper in partnership with a false nine.

His power and pace will certainly frighten central defenders who will drop deep to minimise the space left in behind.

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He has not shown his adaptability in Dortmund and  Salzburg colours but with Pep Guardiola at the helm, there is a likelihood that he will bow down to any demands from the intense Spaniard.

Considering the hole left by Sergio Aguero and the lack of the centre-forward in the squad, there is a chance the Norwegian will slot straight in, however City has adapted into a flexible forward trio with Kevin de Bruyne and Phil Foden in the false nine position.

Time will tell whether Pep will revert back and install that focal figure in the opening rounds.

There is evidence that Darwin Nunez fitting in all positions across the front three, although he is unlikely going to budge Mohamed Salah out of his position on the right, particularly now he has committed his long-term future to the club.

The departure of Mane and Divock Origi and the dip in form from Roberto Firmino will leave a hole in the centre forward position. This man is ideal to take that spot, on either side of Luis Diaz and Salah.

At 6’2″, there is an aerial threat and precise crosses from Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson could see a perfect plan B to Liverpool’s gegenpress style.

A weakness in his link-up play may force him out on the left in some games, a position which saw him impress for Benfica during the Champions League. He could’ve scored a hat-trick wasn’t it for VAR and his goal certainly raised an eyebrow from Klopp and his team.

Both players will likely be positioned up top for both teams but Nunez certainly offers more flexibility in different positions along the front three.