Haaland's fateful season

Despite still scoring regularly and possessing statistics that many strikers dream of, the sense of being a fearsome “killer” has somewhat faded. Last season, Manchester City lost form at many important moments, and Haaland, despite scoring 34 goals in all competitions, was criticized for not having the same destructive instinct as before.

From scoring machine to questioner

In his first two seasons in the Premier League, Haaland made the whole of England tremble with his cool finishing ability and overwhelming power. He won two consecutive Golden Boot awards (2023, 2024), broke a series of scoring records and became the centerpiece of a perfect Man City. But the 2024/25 season just passed, the story was different. Salah surpassed him in the Golden Boot race, a clear sign that Haaland is no longer the "untouchable" name as before.

A tally of 22 Premier League goals is still impressive, but City fans have been left feeling the lack of decisive goals in big games. Notably, Haaland failed to score in either of his two games against Liverpool, his direct rivals in the title race. In addition, an ankle injury kept him out for more than a month, affecting his rhythm. For a striker who has made every defence tremble, those statistics are not enough.

Criticism was not only aimed at Haaland but also at Pep Guardiola. Many experts believe that Pep's tactical system has not fully exploited the Norwegian striker's strength last season. Haaland needs space, direct support and speed to explode, but Man City often played too cumbersomely, making him feel constrained.

Haaland is no longer the scary version he used to be.

This is why Pep has to change in the new season. The new players the club has brought in - young, fast and creative players - are expected to help Haaland regain his killer instinct. But even with the tactical adjustments, the biggest responsibility still lies on his shoulders. A world-class striker does not just wait for the system to serve him, but must find a way to shine on his own.

10-year contract - trust or burden?

Man City’s announcement that they would extend Haaland’s contract until 2034 was seen as a message to all of Europe: the Norwegian striker would be a symbol of the blue half of Manchester for the next decade. However, since the contract was signed, his form has not been as “dominant” as before.

That huge belief inadvertently turned into heavy pressure. Haaland didn't just need to score goals - he needed to prove that he was worthy of his Ballon d'Or ambitions and the stature of a world-class superstar.

At 25, Haaland is no longer a rising star. He is at the peak of his career, and another disappointing season could cast doubt on his image. Premier League rivals seem to have figured out Haaland’s game and are no longer too alarmed by his presence. This is the time for the former Borussia Dortmund star to show adaptation – something that every top striker like Robert Lewandowski or Karim Benzema has done to maintain his level.

The 2025/26 season is crucial for Haaland.

Haaland is not just carrying Man City. Next summer, the World Cup will be held, and Norway are determined to qualify for their first major tournament in years. If successful, it will be a stage for Haaland to assert his global status. He has never had the chance to shine at a major tournament with his country, and the World Cup could be the key to taking a big step towards the Ballon d'Or.

Haaland has never faced a season where everything has been so “destiny”. He will either step out of the shadow of doubt to become a true leader for Man City and Norway, or he will be trapped by doubts and injuries. For a player who scored 52 goals in his first season in the Premier League, the answer depends entirely on his determination and Viking spirit.

No one doubts Haaland’s natural finishing ability. But top-level football is about more than numbers. Great killers always shine at the crucial moment. If he wants to become a true legend, Haaland needs to do more than score against mid-table teams. He must be the one to make the difference in “life-or-death” matches, the fulcrum when Man City need it most.

The new season is therefore not only a title battle with Liverpool or Arsenal, but also an internal battle for Haaland. It is time for him to affirm: that killer instinct is still intact, and he has never been defeated.

Source: https://znews.vn/mua-giai-dinh-menh-cua-haaland-post1570280.html