I have looked at this list again, and all I will say is timing matters a lot in football.
Haaland scored 27 goals and 8 assists in the league, about 38 goals and 9 assists in all competitions, won 2 domestic trophies, yet he’s not even the favourite.
Part of it is because we’re already used to Haaland-level numbers, but those periods of drought really damaged the perception of his season. He had about 20 goals before January. If he had scored those same 20 goals from January till now instead, he’s probably walking away with the award comfortably.
That’s how football works sometimes. Momentum shapes narratives more than anything
People remember how you finish seasons more than how you start them. If Haaland was exploding during the title run-in, scoring every week in the biggest moments, the conversation around him would feel completely different even if the final numbers stayed exactly the same.
Form close to awards season always hits harder psychologically.
It’s why players that peak late suddenly feel unstoppable while players that started the season on fire can become normalized by the end. With Haaland, his standards are now so ridiculous too that 38 goals almost feels like he didn’t have a good season.
Flip Bruno’s form to beginning of the season and he won’t be favorite for the award. Narratives and timing are what decides award.
If any other striker pull this Haaland’s number in the league, they will also be favorites. Narratives. Timing.
Lmao they took an award for the best player in the league and gave to a a corner spamming merchant that didn't participate in any European competition this season, why didn't he win the premier league for his team if he's the "best"
Joke of an award if we are being real
I was confident I could of played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had. I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision.
I’ve loved nothing more than putting that shirt on and representing my country over the years.
I wish the players, all the best this summer 🏴