Erling Haaland might need to change for Kevin De Bruyne to get Man City wish

The widespread assumption is that Erling Haaland will score for fun at Manchester City.

With 86 goals and 23 assists in 89 games for Borussia Dortmund, it's a fair conclusion to draw, especially given City's pre-existing free-scoring tendencies. It feels like a perfect fit, and it shouldn't take too long for Haaland to adapt to Pep Guardiola's style, or for City to fit their new striker into the system they have perfected.

Even Kevin De Bruyne has high hopes, when he said: "They've always been looking for a No.9, but I think it'll be good to have that striker that maybe scores 20-25 goals a season. Maybe (his arrival might help me too). There have been years that I have had more assists (than this season). But my chance creation and other things have remained consistent."

ALSO READ: Nathan Ake predicts Erling Haaland's impact in Man City squad

For De Bruyne to already be picturing the assists he can give Haaland, it says plenty of how the City squad approve of the transfer. However, De Bruyne may have to adapt his own game to suit Haaland if it's assists he wants.

That is because City play a more considered, possession-based build-up than Dortmund's more counter-attacking style. Haaland got plenty of goals from Dortmund drawing a defence out before he'd make a run and make them pay, whereas opposition teams are less likely to take that risk against City.

Instead, Haaland's movement in the penalty box will be relied upon to bypass a low block — and his recent goal for Norway is evidence that shouldn't be too much of a problem. De Bruyne's delivery can be key to helping Haaland adapt to that new role, with the Belgian himself changing his game from recent seasons now he's got a permanent frontman to aim for.

A brief look