Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham made a telling comment regarding the way his side plays compared to Manchester City, which, under careful analysis, ultimately points to the challenge Pep Guardiola seems to be having with getting the best out of Erling Haaland, writes Lukhanyo Mtuta.
The tall centre-forward has been the subject of growing criticism due to his failure to make an impact in some big games this season. His reputation as a lethal marksman is unquestionable, but there is now a burgeoning struggle by the player to have a meaningful impact in perhaps the most important ties this term.
Since the turn of 2024, Haaland has fired blanks against Arsenal, Liverpool, and Real across two legs in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. Some have even pointed out that in some of these so-called big matches, the centre-forward has taken fewer touches and fewer shots on goal, strolling on the pitch, posing very little danger to opposition defenders.
