What Erling Haaland did without the ball for Man City showed Pep Guardiola project might be complete

Erling Haaland only got one of the four Manchester City goals against Borussia Dortmund but he made an impact in different ways.

When you're as good as Erling Haaland is, sometimes you don't need to even touch the ball to make an impact. The mere threat of involvement is enough to wreak havoc.

So it was for Manchester City's opening goal against Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad. Haaland didn't get the goal, and he didn't get the assist. In fact, he didn't touch the ball at all in the build-up to Phil Foden's exquisite finish from 20 yards.

But what he did do was help create that space for Foden. When Tijjani Reijnders picked up possession, Haaland was stationed between Nico Schlotterbeck and Waldemar Anton on the edge of the Dortmund box.

Reijnders fired his pass into the feet of Foden, at which point Haaland turned and made his run. It was enough to distract Schlotterbeck and Anton, who both dropped off to go with him. That was all the invitation Foden needed to turn and move into space, using the freedom to pick his spot.

It was another example of how Haaland has gone to another level this season. The 25-year-old enjoyed his summer break and returned feeling re-energized. That has turned out to be bad news for defences up and down the country and across Europe.

His goal against Borussia Dortmund took him to 27 in 17 games for club and country. He has scored in 12 of the 14 games he has played in for City this season.

This season, it's not only about the goals, however. He has been a colossus in his own penalty area, helping to neutralise the set-piece threat against City, but is also becoming more present in the build-up.

He dropped deep to exchange passes with Nico Gonzalez on Wednesday, and then reacted angrily when he didn't get the ball back. He also left his striking berth to get a quick free-kick, before channelling his inner Micky van de Ven to charge past half the Dortmund team. He laid the chance off to Nico O'Reilly, who forced Gregor Kobel into a sharp save.

A few minutes later, Haaland took the chance himself. He might be more connected to the team this season, but when you can finish like he can, passing isn't always a wise move. Jeremy Doku's cut back was perfect for the Norwegian's movement, and his first time finish was ruthless.

For once, Haaland was overshadowed in front of goal. Foden's finishing was even better and his goals were well timed ahead of the announcement of the England squad on Friday.

However, it is Haaland who remains the beating heart of this team at the moment. No longer just a goalscoring machine, he is now close to the complete, all-round striker that Guardiola has often talked of moulding him into.

He had 25 touches of the ball against Dortmund, which shows how his impact is growing. He used to go long spells of the game without being involved, just waiting for a chance to come, but is now always ready to muck in and play his part, wherever he is needed on the pitch.

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