Don Hutchinson has now surprisingly left Manchester City No.9 Erling Haaland out of his Team of the Season so far.
The 52-year-old was speaking on ESPN.
So, what was said about Erling Haaland? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, Hutchinson was asked to name his early Team of the Season after eight Premier League games so far in the 2023/24 campaign.
The ESPN pundit surprisingly chose to leave Haaland out – despite the fact that the Norway international tops the scoring charts with eight goals in eight appearances.
When asked to explain his decision, Hutchinson said: “You can’t say he’s on top form. No, no no. Who’s been on top form in the first eight games of the season? It’s Son, Isak and then Salah.”
We understand what Hutchinson means.
However, the fact Haaland has not been on top form, but is still leading the scoring charts with eight goals, surely means the Leeds-born striker should be in the XI, right?
Haaland is quickly becoming underrated
It’s amazing how quickly people can forget about a 52-goal campaign.
Haaland failed to score against Wolves, RB Leipzig and Arsenal before the international break, which has led to widespread criticism of the Norwegian.
Somehow, the £51.5m Manchester City talisman has actually become underrated as a result of his mini goal drought.
After all, how many other strikers would find themselves left out of Team of the Seasons despite leading the scoring charts?
It is remarkable to see so many downplay Haaland’s accomplishments this season, purely based on his freakish 2022/23 campaign – there is no world in which he should not be named in Team of the Season selections at this time of year.
Hopefully, criticism from the media is not worming its way into the Norwegian’s mind, and he can get back on the scoresheet for Manchester City after the international break.
