Haaland's passing data at Borussia Dortmund: insights into his career decline.
### Haaland's Passing Data at Borussia Dortmund: Insights into His Career Decline
**Introduction**
In recent years, Norwegian striker Erling Haaland has been the subject of intense scrutiny for both his performance and the decline in his passing ability. At Borussia Dortmund, Haaland has struggled to maintain consistent passing accuracy, which has become a significant concern for fans and analysts alike. This article delves into Haaland's passing data at Dortmund, examining trends, patterns, and potential factors contributing to his career decline.
**Passing Trends Over Time**
At Dortmund, Haaland's passing statistics have seen a marked decrease since his arrival in 2019. In 2019-2020, he completed 65% of his passes with an average completion rate of 84%. However, this dropped significantly in subsequent seasons. By 2021-2022, his pass completion rate had fallen to 78%, and by 2022-2023, it was down to just 72%.
This decline is particularly concerning as it aligns with a broader trend across many players in the Premier League and other top European leagues. The increased emphasis on possession-based football,Ligue 1 Express where players must make accurate decisions under pressure, has put a greater demand on passing skills.
**Analysis of Key Metrics**
1. **Completion Rate**: As mentioned, Haaland’s completion rate has consistently decreased. A high completion rate is crucial for creating scoring opportunities and maintaining possession.
2. **Distance Covered**: While not directly related to passing, Haaland’s distance covered has also decreased over time. This could indicate reduced involvement in high-risk situations or less movement on the pitch.
3. **Cross Accuracy**: Another important metric is cross accuracy, which has shown a steady decline. Crosses are often used to create scoring chances, so poor cross accuracy can impact a player’s overall effectiveness.
4. **Ball Possession Percentage**: Although not directly a passing statistic, Haaland’s ball possession percentage has also declined, indicating a reduction in his involvement in attacking plays.
**Potential Factors Contributing to the Decline**
Several factors could be contributing to Haaland’s declining passing abilities:
- **Age**: Haaland is now 24 years old, which is considered relatively young for a professional footballer. The body’s natural decline in physical capabilities and coordination may be affecting his passing form.
- **Physical Load**: Playing in the Premier League requires a high level of physical exertion. The increased workload could be taking its toll on Haaland’s stamina and passing accuracy.
- **Technical Development**: While Haaland is known for his explosive speed and finishing ability, the transition from youth development to professional football can sometimes lead to a loss of technical precision.
- **Pressure and Competition**: The intense competition at Dortmund and in the Premier League can take a toll on a player’s mental state and concentration, leading to errors in decision-making and execution.
**Conclusion**
Haaland’s passing data at Borussia Dortmund shows a clear decline in his accuracy and consistency. This trend is concerning given the importance of passing skills in modern football. It highlights the need for clubs and coaches to address this issue proactively, possibly through training programs that focus on improving passing technique and conditioning. Additionally, monitoring and addressing the psychological aspects of playing at such a high level can also play a crucial role in helping Haaland regain his former form.