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Erling Haaland Not Suited to Premier League Switch

With over 71,000 mentions already this month on social media (up 18% on June), Erling Haaland’s potential transfer is quickly becoming the most anticipated of the summer.

 

 

 

 

B-Cure Laser ambassador, John Barnes, publicly claimed the Premier League would be too physical for Haaland – and it’s very possible he was spot on. The producers of low-level laser therapy pain relief devices for sporting injuries decided to delve into the stats following Barnes’ controversial opinion to see where Haaland may be best suited if he does leave Dortmund.

 

So what does the data show?

 

Key findings:

 

• The Premier League is much more physical than the Bundesliga – is it too intense for Haaland?

 

• An average of 310 tackles and 500 attempted tackles per matchday across the Premier League compared to only 277 tackles and 438 attempted tackles in the Bundesliga.

 

• With more fouls being called in the Bundesliga (Prem 426, Bund 433 per matchday), would Haaland miss the protection of the ref?

 

• La Liga would suit Dortmund and Haaland’s style of play the most, with Real Madrid the most viable option in that league

 

• If he’s set on a Premier League move, Stamford Bridge is his most compatible destination – could he bring the goals Chelsea need to contend for title glory?

 

• All four English leagues far outweigh the top four European leagues, with League One taking the trophy for most physical

 

• In fact, on physicality alone Erling’s most compatible team would be Fleetwood Town – but unless he confuses his Highburys we don’t envisage a move to League One!

 

The methodology behind the B-Cure Laser data is based on statistics being ratioed to games per league with an aim of adopting a balanced criteria as the top leagues have varying numbers of matches in their campaigns. The ratio is based on offensive and defensive game elements, including shots, tackles, fouls committed/against and dispossession, calculated from official Opta Sports statistics.

 

Should Haaland opt for a Premier League move, it’ll be interesting to see how he will cope with Watford or Brighton’s aggressive, high-intensity approach to matches. They certainly won’t be shirking challenges when the season kicks off next month.