Super Eagles and Chelsea icon, John Mikel Obi, has raised concerns about Erling Haaland’s performance in crucial matches, suggesting that the Norwegian forward needs to elevate his game in these high-stakes encounters to truly be counted among football’s elite.
Despite Haaland’s record-breaking debut Premier League season, where he scored 36 goals and played a key role in Manchester City’s historic treble win, Mikel believes there is still room for improvement.
While Haaland’s goal-scoring prowess has been undeniable, he has faced criticism for his lack of impact during decisive stages of major tournaments.
This scrutiny was particularly evident last season when he failed to score against Real Madrid in the Champions League semifinals, leading to Manchester City’s elimination.
Haaland, who clinched the Premier League Golden Boot last season, is already off to a blistering start this season with nine goals in just four league appearances, setting him on track for a potential third consecutive top scorer title.
However, Mikel, a Champions League winner with Chelsea in 2012, believes that the 23-year-old needs to replicate his prolific form in high-profile matches to silence his critics.
Speaking on Bein Sport’s coverage of the Champions League ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Inter Milan, Mikel emphasized that Haaland must demonstrate his goal-scoring ability in critical moments, much like Lionel Messi has done consistently throughout his career.
“He doesn’t show up in the big games,” Mikel remarked, highlighting a perceived gap in Haaland’s performances. “Right now, he hasn’t. We can agree on that right now. He hasn’t. He scored goals, so many goals. But in the big games, I want to see him do that again on Sunday when they play Arsenal.”
The Nigerian legend added, “I want to see him show up in big games and be the man, score one or two, a hat-trick, whatever it is. But again, what I’m saying this season, I think his general play has become much better than it was last season. So I want to see him on Sunday, show up in the big games, which is what Messi did.”
As Manchester City prepares to face Arsenal, all eyes will be on Haaland to see if he can rise to the occasion and prove that he can be just as effective in marquee fixtures as he is in routine matches.
