Dream Team bosses turning their backs on top goalscorer Erling Haaland amid Manchester City crisis
SOMETHING unthinkable is happening.
Dream Team managers are turning their backs on Erling Haaland (£8.6m).
Say it ain’t so[/caption]
Incredibly, the Norwegian poacher is currently the most transferred-out player ahead of Gameweek 13.
Things could change with the deadline still a few days away and a full round of European fixtures to come in midweek but it’s remarkable that Manchester City’s downturn in results has prompted a significant portion of gaffers to ditch arguably the best goalscorer in the world football.
Pep Guardiola’s side were beaten 4-0 for Tottenham at the Etihad on Saturday for what was their fifth consecutive loss in all competitions – a crisis for a coach and squad who pride themselves on sky-high standards.
Needless to say, it was a disastrous afternoon for the likes of Josko Gvardiol (£4.6m), Rico Lewis (£3.4m) and the other defenders.
In fact, those two named individuals are also among the most transferred-out players in the wake of the weekend’s action.
Guardiola has serious issues to address[/caption]
But it really can’t be understated how remarkable it is that Haaland, of all people, has suffered a notable dip in popularity.
Despite City’s woes, their No9 remains the top scorer in the Premier League and all competitions this season with 15 goals to his name.
And his tally of 164 points is only bettered by Mohamed Salah (£7.4m) among all Dream Team assets at this stage.
To say the gaffers prepared to ditch Haaland are making a bold move is a huge understatement.
That being said, it’s simply true that he has mustered 20 points across his last four outings which, while respectable, is not a return befitting the most expensive player in the game.
For comparison, 18 forwards are above Haaland in regards to form (most points across last three games) including Sammie Szmodics (£2.5m), Jordan Ayew (£2.5m) and Jorgen Strand Larsen (£3.6m).
Tough times[/caption]
The usually prolific 24-year-old has been uncharacteristically wasteful in recent weeks having scored just once in his last four appearances – this run includes a missed penalty against Sporting CP.
Then there’s the issue of the schedule.
Three league defeats in a row has left Man City eight points adrift of Liverpool ahead of their trip to Anfield at the weekend.
On current form, Arne Slot will be very hopeful of a victory over the defending champions.
The Reds also boast the best defensive record in the top flight, limiting Haaland’s viability for Gameweek 13 further.
Plenty of gaffers are also rushing to ditch Gvardiol[/caption]
There are enough reasons for Dream Team bosses to justify replacing Haaland but such a move comes with significant risk.
Across his time with Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund and Man City, he’s scored 220 goals in 231 games – he has the pedigree to severely punish his doubters.
It should be noted that even after a flurry of transfers in reaction to his latest blank, Haaland remains Dream Team’s most popular asset by a wide margin.
Gaffers don’t have to rush this decision as City are due to play again (against Feyenoord at the Etihad) before the Gameweek 13 deadline.
It will be interesting to see how many Dream Team managers join the turning of the tide if Haaland fails to provide suitable points against the Dutch outfit on Tuesday night.
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