🔵 This season, we have seen the birth of a very efficient duo, under Pep Guardiola's Man City, whether it be in transition, crosses, using width... making each other shining with their own skills.
I decided to dissect every goal and assist between each other.
BIG THREAD ⤵️🧵
I decided to dissect every goal and assist between each other.
BIG THREAD ⤵️🧵
1°) West Ham 0-2 City, August 7th 2022
Under pressure, City dragged opponents press throughout the season the same way, leaving central spaces for De Bruyne, who tended to throw Haaland from the center. Premier League was already aware of Erling's speed.
Under pressure, City dragged opponents press throughout the season the same way, leaving central spaces for De Bruyne, who tended to throw Haaland from the center. Premier League was already aware of Erling's speed.
2°) Aston Villa 1-1 City, September 3rd 2022
At this time, Guardiola was experimenting a new way to think possession in mid third to create unbalance. De Bruyne frequently moved on the flank to take advantage, and exploit second post in the cross thanks to Haaland's sudden jump
At this time, Guardiola was experimenting a new way to think possession in mid third to create unbalance. De Bruyne frequently moved on the flank to take advantage, and exploit second post in the cross thanks to Haaland's sudden jump
3°) Sevilla 0-4 City, September 6th 2022
This move from De Bruyne (attackinh the space right behind the fullback) has been particularly useful against low blocks (huge part of City's opponent's strategy). Haaland has this ability to lure center-back and jump at the last second.
This move from De Bruyne (attackinh the space right behind the fullback) has been particularly useful against low blocks (huge part of City's opponent's strategy). Haaland has this ability to lure center-back and jump at the last second.
4°) City 6-3 United, October 2nd 2022
We have seen this connection on corner as well, but not so often (only time KDB delivered a corner cross for Haaland), illustrating their connection is mostly in ope-play situations.
We have seen this connection on corner as well, but not so often (only time KDB delivered a corner cross for Haaland), illustrating their connection is mostly in ope-play situations.
5°) City 6-3 United, October 2nd 2022
The offensive started the same way as West Ham's goal (drag the press), but different result : this time De Bruyne used Foden's wide positioning to have two choices : as soon as he spot Haaland jumping on the 2nd post => curved cross.
The offensive started the same way as West Ham's goal (drag the press), but different result : this time De Bruyne used Foden's wide positioning to have two choices : as soon as he spot Haaland jumping on the 2nd post => curved cross.
6°) EFL Cup : City 3-2 Liverpool, December 22nd 2022
This second post area is the most utilized for Haaland because of this ability to make brutal runs. However, he's so dangerous because he can lure his opponent he will jump on 2nd post, to suddenly change direction.
This second post area is the most utilized for Haaland because of this ability to make brutal runs. However, he's so dangerous because he can lure his opponent he will jump on 2nd post, to suddenly change direction.
7°) City 3-0 Wolves, January 22nd 2023
As I said, KDB was efficient on the flank. However, he can also let the wide winger make the difference in 1V1 and staying in the dangerous zone to receive and cross for Haaland. Big advantage : increasing distance with defenders.
As I said, KDB was efficient on the flank. However, he can also let the wide winger make the difference in 1V1 and staying in the dangerous zone to receive and cross for Haaland. Big advantage : increasing distance with defenders.
8°) Arsenal City 1-3, February 15th 2023
It's also due to City's high press, so Haaland and De Bruyne can be proactive in pressing phase. The most impressive aspect is the Kevin De Bruyne's timing in his runs. Almost perfect.
It's also due to City's high press, so Haaland and De Bruyne can be proactive in pressing phase. The most impressive aspect is the Kevin De Bruyne's timing in his runs. Almost perfect.
9°) Southampton 1-4 City, April 8th 2023
Same as the Sevilla goal : when the opponent thinks you can block City by blocking central spaces, using width and De Bruyne's accuracy in his crosses is a good alternative.
Same as the Sevilla goal : when the opponent thinks you can block City by blocking central spaces, using width and De Bruyne's accuracy in his crosses is a good alternative.
10°) City 3-1 Leicester, April 15th 2023
We also tend to forget Kevin De Bruyne has excellent ball-carrying abilities, and mixed with Haaland's speed, consequences could be serious for opponent's defense. Especially givenKDB's vertical passes.
We also tend to forget Kevin De Bruyne has excellent ball-carrying abilities, and mixed with Haaland's speed, consequences could be serious for opponent's defense. Especially givenKDB's vertical passes.
11°) Bayern München 1-1 City, April 19th 2023
In transition, this duo is, in my opinion, one of the most efficient in the world. Even under a 2V4 or 2V3 situation, their coordinate moves make the difference and frequently end up into dangerous situations.
In transition, this duo is, in my opinion, one of the most efficient in the world. Even under a 2V4 or 2V3 situation, their coordinate moves make the difference and frequently end up into dangerous situations.
12°) Manchester City 4-1 Arsenal, April 26th 2023
And roles can also (and we were attesting it since the last 5 games of City) be inverted. Haaland made many progress in his passing skills, and delivered key assists for De Bruyne, against Arsenal.
And roles can also (and we were attesting it since the last 5 games of City) be inverted. Haaland made many progress in his passing skills, and delivered key assists for De Bruyne, against Arsenal.
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