One of the many reasons behind Manchester City’s remarkable success over the past few years is because of the whole host of big-game players they have at their disposal.
Often, big-game players are associated with attackers.
As a result, an attacking midfielder like Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City is the first name that will likely spring to the masses’ minds when looking at the big-game players at the club.
Similarly, Phil Foden has always been a player who has seemingly relished playing against the best of the best.
However, even defensive players such as Rodri, Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias and John Stones have been excellent during their respective spells at the Etihad Stadium against top sides.
Pep Guardiola seems to have built a fearless mentality when it comes to big games at the club.
Obi Mikel doubts Man City superstar’s big-game credentials
In the past, the likes of Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Yaya Toure were also known for being magnificent against the best teams in the world.
Considering Erling Haaland’s reputation when he came to the Premier League and the havoc he has caused when facing a majority of defences in the world, he was expected to be a nuisance in big games.
However, the £51 million man’s big-game credentials divide opinion.
Mateo Kovacic named Haaland as a player who always steps up and makes himself counted in the biggest moments.
However, Jamie O’Hara claimed Haaland does not make much of an impact in the big games.
John Obi Mikel agrees with his fellow pundit’s claim about the Norwegian on beIN SPORTS.
The former Chelsea midfielder said: “Right now, he hasn’t. We can agree on that. Right now, he hasn’t. He’s scored goals, so many goals but in the big games, I want to see him to do that again on Sunday when they’re playing Arsenal. I want to see him show up in big games and be the man, score one or two, hat-trick, whatever it is.”
“But again, what I’m saying is again this season, I think his general play has become much better than it was last season.”
John Obi Mikel disagreed with the claim that Haaland has performed against some of the best teams in the Premier League.
“Sorry, Andy [Gray], did you say he shows up in the Premier League big games? [Erling] Haaland? Last season? No.”
“We can name how many big games. Arsenal, how many did he score against Arsenal? He hasn’t scored against Arsenal, if I can remember. He hasn’t scored against the big teams, no, he hasn’t!”
“Against Liverpool, probably yeah but his record against the big teams is not that great.”
The pundit continued: “He’s very impactful but I think what we’re saying here is, players like Haaland are judged on how you show up in big games. The semi-final [quarter-final against Real Madrid in the Champions League] last year, he wasn’t there and big games, City last season, he hasn’t shown up.”
“Yes, he’s a machine, he scores goals, he’s brilliant at what he does, no doubt about that, nobody’s going to argue but we want to see more of that in the big games and hopefully, that’s something we can see this season.”
John Obi Mikel has spewed an Erling Haaland myth
While many like John Obi Mikel believe Haaland is not a big-game player, the statistics paint a different picture.
The former Nigerian international claimed that the 24-year-old does not turn up against the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ (Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur) as well.
However, in 20 appearances against such sides, Haaland has scored 15 goals.
The Leeds-born striker is yet to score a goal in a semi-final or a final in a cup competition for City.
Against Real Madrid and Inter Milan in the Champions League as well, Haaland has endured his struggles.
The Manchester City marksman is not flawless against the best of the best.
But to claim Haaland has never shown up is a myth and already this season, he scored against Chelsea.
