Justin Haak [Midfielder] [HG]
- Thread starter LionNYC
- Start date
he's got a starting spot? unless he knows something we don't, like risa is injured. i thought he was a beast today. his runs out of the back were fantastic and he made some great defensive plays.
he should definitely go where he gets playing time. i wouldn't want to sit tight either if i were him.
ZYanksRule
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Haak is signed through 2025, FWIW. I don't know if he's a stone-cold every-game starter, but he should get a much longer leash next year.
I think Justin played his way into the starting CB spot next to Thiago in 2025 these playoffs. His defense has been top notch, his passing out of the back is excellent and those marauding runs we saw last night are Callens-esque and completely unbalance opposing defenses and create scoring opportunities -- more of that next year please.
I think how we approach the expansion draft will be very telling for Justin's future. If we don't protect Risa, would be a strong indication that we are going to move forward with Haak. I have a hunch that Risa was hurt for a large part of the season, so it will be interesting to see how the team values him.
RunningWise
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At the start of the season I kept wondering why Haak was getting playing time. When he started being placed in the CB position I realized why. I’m really enjoying him as a CB and to be controversial: he may currently be our best CB and he’s still developing.
I vote we start Risa and Haak so we can try to move Martins to free up a DP spot. I have nothing against Martins; he is a fine CB, but he is nowhere near the level a CB should be to justify using a DP spot.
with our high line, a Risa and Haak pairing would get toasted on long/through balls all game long. At least Martins has some speed. I agree he doesn't warrant the DP label. If the team is able to "buy him down" or whatever it is to get the DP spot back, they should definitely do that. We need speed on the back line. Callens was our pace before and then it was Martins. We have trouble dealing with long/through balls as it is... if we lack pace with the CBs too, we'd be trouble.
Risa was quick when he first arrived last season, looked like he was as quick as martins. I think he had a leg injury this entire season that inhibited his ability to sprint
i don't recall. but i hope you're right.
according to EA FC stats (lol) Risa's pace rating is only 1 below Martins. For comparison, they rate Martinez 5 points higher than Martins in pace.
No idea how reliable this site is.
www.footballinsider247.com
Rangers battling Championship clubs to sign MLS star Justin Haak
Rangers have entered the transfer race for MLS star Justin Haak amid rival interest from Championship clubs.
RunningWise
Registered
Star? I love him but… Star?No idea how reliable this site is.
Rangers battling Championship clubs to sign MLS star Justin Haak
Rangers have entered the transfer race for MLS star Justin Haak amid rival interest from Championship clubs.
Apparently, the fact that we are in a playoff position demonstrates that Haak could be an asset in the Scottish Premiership.
ezbeezy214
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More writer by writer with this site, this isn’t the guy with the highest rep. With that said, can’t believe Rangers fans would be thrilled with another player with the exact same profile (to their POV) as Sands.No idea how reliable this site is.
Rangers battling Championship clubs to sign MLS star Justin Haak
Rangers have entered the transfer race for MLS star Justin Haak amid rival interest from Championship clubs.
Listen, I like Justin Haak, and I always felt Martins as a DP was a reach, but I think our supporters overall are really missing the boat here. Thiago Martins has emerged as a top-tier CB. Give me a choice of 1 of these guys for the 2026 season, I'm taking Thiago Martins every day, and it's not really close. Justin Haak, being a homegrown turned good and all kind of gets a rosier perspective from our supporters.
Of course, I say ¿por que no los dos? but I very much disagree with fans who knock Martins.
Yes, forced to choose one or the other, I would choose Martins. And for what it would have cost to keep Haak that’s too much for two defensive players. I am feeling emo because he’s a great homegrown kid just like I was feeling emo about Callens because he was such a pivotal vet, but know that Martins plus another million dollar back would be detrimental.
