Under the watchful eye of Txiki Begiristain, Manchester City‘s Director of Football, the club has transformed into a powerhouse of European football, renowned for its strategic recruitment and meticulous squad building.

Begiristain, a key architect behind City’s success, has consistently identified and acquired talents that fit perfectly into Pep Guardiola‘s demanding system.

His deep understanding of the game and ability to foresee how players will adapt to City’s style have made him one of the most respected figures in football management.

As the club looks to reinforce its attacking options, Begiristain’s role becomes even more crucial.

Not only is he tasked with finding a backup centre-forward capable of stepping into Erling Haaland’s shoes, but he must also ensure that this player can seamlessly integrate into City’s fluid, positionally versatile system.

In this Manchester City data analysis, we dive into the data and statistics to identify five potential signings carefully selected for their ability to enhance Manchester City’s attacking lineup while providing the necessary depth and flexibility to keep the team at the pinnacle of the game.

Manchester City Recruitment Philosophy: Embracing Versatility

At Manchester City, versatility is not just a bonus—it’s a prerequisite. The club’s recruitment strategy, led by Txiki Begiristain, emphasises the importance of acquiring players who can perform in multiple roles across the pitch.

This approach aligns with Pep Guardiola’s tactical philosophy, where fluidity and adaptability are key components.

Whether it’s a full-back who can step into midfield, a winger who can operate on either flank or a forward capable of leading the line and dropping deep, City seeks players who can offer flexibility and contribute to the team in various ways.

This multidimensionality allows Guardiola to implement his complex tactical plans without being constrained by rigid positional roles, ensuring that City can maintain their high standards even when injuries or rotations occur.

As the search for a backup centre-forward continues, this philosophy remains at the forefront, guiding the club toward players who bring more than just a single skill set to the table.

Why Did We Choose These Players

We took a two-pronged approach in our search for a backup centre-forward for Manchester City.

Orri Óskarsson and Kyogo Furuhashi were handpicked by Total Football Analysis for their ability to fit seamlessly into City’s system, offering the versatility and tactical awareness required by Pep Guardiola.

On the other hand, Albion Rrahmani, Woobens Pacius, and Ernest Nuamah were identified based on data analysis that highlighted their similarities to Erling Haaland, City’s current leading striker.

These players possess attributes that could make them ideal backups, providing a balance of system compatibility and stylistic resemblance to Haaland.

The chart below shows a shortlist of 10 players similar to Erling Haaland; we focused on discussing the top three from this list.

Player Similar to Erling Haaland

Orri Óskarsson Scouting Report At FC Copenhagen

Orri Óskarsson, a promising 19-year-old centre-forward from FC Copenhagen, has reportedly caught the eye for Man City with his potential to develop into a top-level striker, so we’re looking at what he would offer in our first section.

His radar chart highlights his ability to contribute effectively in the final third, with a goal contribution per 90 (79.95) and expected goal contribution per 90 (79.95) that align closely with his performances on the pitch.

Óskarsson’s aerial duel success (76.6%) is also noteworthy, indicating his capability to hold his own physically against defenders, which is a critical attribute for a forward in the Premier League.

Óskarsson’s positioning (44.95) and ability to receive passes (50.0) suggest he understands his role within the team’s attacking structure, making him a reliable option for linking play and maintaining possession in advanced areas.

However, his radar chart also shows areas where he can grow, particularly in his involvement in ball progression and his overall impact in possession phases.

Despite these developmental areas, Óskarsson’s strengths in goal-scoring and aerial ability position him as a promising candidate for Manchester City, where his potential could be honed under Guardiola’s guidance.

Orri Óskarsson Player Radar Chart

Kyogo Furuhashi Scouting Report At Celtic FC

Another striker already linked with City is Kyogo Furuhashi, 29 years old — who’s an experienced forward currently playing for Celtic FC.

His radar chart demonstrates a well-rounded attacking profile, with strengths that align well with Manchester City’s tactical needs.

Furuhashi excels in goal contribution per 90 (79.5) and expected goal contribution per 90 (82.9), which are both indicative of a player who consistently finds himself in scoring positions and capitalises on them.

His high dribbling success rate (86.3) and his involvement in dangerous passes (48.8) make him a dynamic forward capable of creating and finishing chances, both as a central striker and in wider areas.

Furuhashi’s ability to move intelligently within the final third is highlighted by his 84.0 percentile in touches within the opponent’s penalty area, reflecting his knack for getting into goalscoring positions.

While his aerial prowess (13.6%) is not as pronounced, his strengths lie in his technical ability and his movement off the ball, which are crucial in a fluid attacking system like Guardiola’s.

Additionally, Furuhashi’s capacity to adapt to different attacking roles reflects his understanding of positional play, a key component in Guardiola’s tactical philosophy.

His radar chart suggests a player who could seamlessly fit into City’s lineup.

He offers versatility and experience, particularly in matches that require quick transitions and intelligent movement.

Kyogo Furuhashi Player Radar Chart

Ernest Nuamah Scouting Report At Olympique Lyon

Ernest Nuamah, at just 20 years old, has quickly emerged as a dynamic right winger for Olympique Lyon.

Although he’s only joined Lyon this summer, we’ve included him due to his similarity to Haaland and as one for City to watch for a potential future transfer.

His radar chart highlights his exceptional attacking prowess, particularly in areas critical to Manchester City’s style of play.

Nuamah stands out in his ability to make an impact in the final third, with an impressive 89.1 percentile for dribbles per 90 and an equally noteworthy 91.3 percentile for touches in the opposition’s penalty area.

These metrics reflect a player who excels in off-the-ball movement, constantly seeking to exploit spaces and challenge defenders, which is crucial in Guardiola’s system.

Moreover, his expected goal contribution per 90 minutes (70.6) and actual goal contribution per 90 (45.6) indicates that while he is still refining his end product, the potential for growth is significant.

His positioning within the attack is solid (50.0), ensuring he’s often in the right areas to receive the ball and make something happen.

Although his passing accuracy (67.3) and progressive passing (43.47) suggest room for improvement in ball distribution, his ability to penetrate defences with his movement and dribbling makes him a valuable asset in creating superiority in attacking scenarios.

Nuamah’s radar chart paints the picture of a young, explosive winger who could add a new dimension to Manchester City’s attack, especially in matches where breaking down deep defensive lines is essential.

Ernest Nuamah Player Radar Chart

Albion Rrahmani Scouting Report At Sparta Prague

Albion Rrahmani, a 23-year-old centre-forward, has been making waves since his move to Sparta Prague this summer, making him another one for the future as opposed to now.

His radar chart reveals a highly effective player in the final third, which is crucial for a team like Manchester City, where efficiency and reliability in front of goal are paramount.

Rrahmani excels in goal contribution per 90 minutes (92.95) and expected goal contribution per 90 (95.25), both of which place him among the top performers in his position.

These figures highlight his consistent ability to find himself in goal-scoring opportunities and convert them at a high rate, making him an excellent option for set-pieces due to his aerial prowess.

Rrahmani’s ability to win aerial duels (74.2%) makes him a significant threat not just in open play but also in set-piece situations, where his physicality can be a decisive factor.

His ability to receive passes (46.8) and engage in dangerous passing (90.03) further complements his profile, suggesting he is not just a finisher but also someone who can play a vital role with his link-up play effectively in the final third.

While his progressive passing (58.55) and positioning (48.4) show areas for potential development, his strengths align well with the needs of a team looking for a striker who can both lead the line and contribute to the team’s overall play.

Rrahmani’s radar chart indicates a player ready to step up to a higher level.

Albion Rrahmani Player Radar Chart

Woobens Pacius Scouting Report At Nashville SC

Woobens Pacius, at 23 years old, is a centre-forward who recently joined Nashville SC and has already begun to showcase his talents.

His radar chart suggests a player with a natural goal-scoring instinct, particularly noted in his goal contribution per 90 minutes (72.35) and expected goal contribution per 90 (77.55).

These metrics underscore his potential as a clinical forward who can make the most of the chances that come his way, a vital trait for a backup striker at a club like Manchester City.

One of Pacius’s most striking attributes is his aerial dominance, reflected in his 89.6 percentile for aerial duels won.

This skill would allow him to offer a different dimension to Manchester City’s attack, particularly in games where physicality is required to break down stubborn defences.

However, Pacius’s radar chart also reveals some areas for improvement, particularly in his ability to progress the ball and his involvement in link-up play (41.3 percentile in received passes per 90).

These are aspects of his game that would need development to fully integrate into Guardiola’s possession-based system.

Nonetheless, his finishing ability and aerial threat make him a viable candidate as a backup for Haaland, particularly in matches where a more direct approach might be necessary.

Woobens Pacius Player Radar Chart

Conclusion

Finding the right backup centre-forward for Manchester City is no easy task, especially when the goal is to maintain the high standards set by Erling Haaland.

Our analysis has identified five players who could fill this crucial role in the future through a blend of tactical analysis, data-driven insights, and a focus on versatility.

Orri Óskarsson and Kyogo Furuhashi, selected for their compatibility with City’s system, offer the adaptability and tactical intelligence that Pep Guardiola values. Meanwhile, Albion Rrahmani, Woobens Pacius, and Ernest Nuamah, chosen for their stylistic similarities to Haaland, bring a blend of physicality, finishing ability, and potential to complement the existing squad.

As Manchester City continues to evolve, the importance of having a reliable and versatile backup striker cannot be overstated. Whether it’s providing cover for Haaland or offering a different tactical option, these players could be key to sustaining the club’s dominance both domestically and in Europe.

By investing in one of these talents, City can ensure they remain at the pinnacle of football, prepared for the challenges of the future with a squad that is both deep and diverse in its capabilities.