A Swiss army knife has multiple uses and features – with all of those blades and tools, it can do almost anything you need.
Justin Haak is New York City FC's Swiss army knife, someone who can be positioned all over the pitch and do almost anything the team needs. The midfielder, who signed a Homegrown contract with the club in January 2019, has only five starts this season, but now totals 713 minutes, with his playing time mostly coming off the bench. Haak's primary position is central midfielder, but he also plays central defensive midfielder, left back, and center back.
Generally speaking, Haak is reliable, consistent, and composed when called upon, despite usually playing out of position. But in his three most recent appearances for NYCFC, he has been exceptional: Haak was on one of the best players on the field in each one of those games, and his performances are a big part of why the team are on the hunt for the #4 seed in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Hudson River Blue Staff
Haak the center-back
With injuries to Thiago Martins and Birk Risa at various points this season, Haak has also filled in at center back.
Haak played center back for the first time this season in the 1-0 road loss to FC Cincinnati back in March. He came on for an injured Risa in the 52nd minute and defended well against a powerful Cincinnati attack despite NYCFC losing 1-0.
Haak's next real start at center back wouldn't be until the comfortable win over New York Red Bulls a little more than two weeks ago on September 28. Dealing with the Red Bull's high press, Haak had five clearances, two interceptions, and two recoveries and won four of his six duels.
After the game, Haak spoke on what led to his positive performance.
Justin Haak on dealing with the Red Bulls press. #NYCFC pic.twitter.com/HTLzcKBFLG
— Matthew Mangam (@MatthewMangam) September 29, 2024
Haak was then called upon to play center back again just three days later against Cincinnati. He had another outstanding performance, making one block, two clearances, one interception, two recoveries, and winning six of his 12 duels.
Hudson River Blue Staff
Haak the defensive midfielder
Haak capped off what was already a great week from him with a season-best performance in the 3-1 win over Nashville SC on October 6. Haak didn't play center-back this time, instead slotting in as a defensive midfielder to replace the suspended James Sands.
Haak stuffed the stat sheet: He had a 90% pass accuracy, won five tackles, had four interceptions, two blocks, six ball recoveries, and won all of his duels.
It was in fact a big day for Justin Haak
— Hudson River Blue (@HudsonRiverBlue) October 7, 2024
90% pass completion (27/30)
5 tackles won
4 interceptions
2 blocks
6 ball recoveries
7/7 in duels (6/6 ground, 1/1 aerial)
8.1 rating from @FotMob, second-highest of any NYCFC player vs Nash https://t.co/q8yhy6fozc
After the game, Haak spoke on the switch from center-back to central midfielder in just four days.
"I would say the biggest thing is you have pressure coming from all sides," he said. "Center back, you're the last line so there's normally nobody pressing you from the back so I think that's the biggest adjustment I had to make stepping into the midfield."
Haak also spoke on defending 2022 MLS MVP Hany Mukhtar.
"It's always just trying to close passing lanes to stop him getting the ball in the first place and then he's obviously going to get the ball sometimes so it's just about slowing him down, he really is good in the transition moments so trying to limit those and slowing him down."
Andrew Leigh
Haak the left-back
You have to go back to the 2-1 road defeat to Austin FC in early July to find a game in which Haak was asked to play left back. Kevin O'Toole came off at halftime after complaining of muscle discomfort, and Head Coach Nick Cushing elected to put the right-footed Haak in O'Toole's spot.
Haak finished the game with six passes into the final third, two recoveries, and two duals won in 45 minutes. After the game, Cushing had nothing but praise for Haak.
"Haak showed what an incredible guy and professional he is, to go in and play left back as a right-footed midfield player, this guy never ceases to amaze me with what he’s able to produce when he’s called upon," he said.
Oliver Strand
Do-it-all mentality
Despite not being a starter, Haak is always determined to help the team however he can, whether at left back, center back, or midfield.
Ahead of New York City's road match against Atlanta in July, Haak spoke to the media in the team's pre-match press conference about his role with the team this season.
Justin Haak has played in just 7 of #NewYorkCityFC's 23 matches.
— Glenn Crooks (@GlennCrooks) July 16, 2024
He's averaging under 30 minutes an appearance.
Now, he's likely to start in the midfield at Atlanta.
Yesterday, he reviewed the challenges of a season like 2024 👇#ATLvNYC #NYCFC #DaleNewYork #MLS @ThirdRailSC pic.twitter.com/bBlgydhPrB
When speaking on playing different positions, Haak said "I’ve, for example, never played left back before, but I feel: As long as you put me on the field I can do a good job. I just try to take that mentality into wherever I’m playing."
That do-it-all mentality has proven crucial for NYCFC at times this season when key players are missing. Haak has succeeded in playing out of position against top-tier teams and has made a name for himself as the team's utility guy.
Haak may not be an everyday starter, but his reliability and versatility are key to New York City's current run of form — and could prove to be important as they return to the MLS Cup Playoffs at the end of the month after missing the postseason last year.
