Why Erling Haaland deserves to win the FWA Footballer of the Year award? It’s not customary for press box personnel to applaud players, therefore it’s odd to feel obligated to do so twice in a season. The same player was used both times. The first occurred in March when Erling Haaland was removed from the game against RB Leipzig in the closing minutes. If the striker hadn’t previously scored five goals, Pep Guardiola would have shown mercy. The second came after it was revealed that his goal against West Ham had just surpassed the Premier League’s single-season scoring record. For Manchester City, the number 35. There was a sensation of history being witnessed on both occasions, something that might never be seen again.
Why Erling Haaland deserves to win the FWA Footballer of the Year award?
The reason that Haaland is probably the person to blame if it is. Live viewing of Haaland is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience. 22 of his goals this year have been a delight to see. Even still, he has only received 270 touches in those appearances, even if his eyes had been fixed on the ball the entire time. Within a week, Lewis Dunk might touch it more frequently. One might get the conclusion that Haaland is a player better suited to highlights reels than the live experience given his sparse touches and high goal totals. In actuality, the reverse is true.
Pep Guardiola discussed what made Haaland so great in the press conference after he broke the record. What caught my attention was the compliments on his patience. The ball initially missed him in that game versus West Ham. Perhaps others had gotten scared. Haaland eventually received his reward, according to David Moyes, the first time Jack Grealish was afforded room to turn.
