Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hailed striker Erling Haaland as ‘one of the best’ players so far.
Man City signed Haaland from Borussia Dortmund in the summer transfer window on a five-year contract that runs until 2027. The Norwegian international has been sensational for Man City since joining them, instantly hitting the ground running.
The 22-year-old has already amassed 20 goals for Manchester City, from just 13 appearances across all competitions. He scored 15 of those in the Premier League, including three hat-tricks against Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester United.
Haaland scored the rest five goals in the Champions League, where he has made three appearances for the Premier League side.
Erling Haaland is one of the best players so far, says Pep Guardiola
Speaking ahead of Manchester City’s upcoming match in the Premier League, Guardiola heaped praise on Haaland.
“I don’t know. He is who he is as a football player with his movement and his pace and his potential. I don’t know if it’s revolutionary, he’s one of the best so far there’s no doubt about that,” Guardiola said when asked if Haaland is a revolutionary talent.
Guardiola was also asked what Haaland will do during the upcoming World Cup. Norway has failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and hence, the 22-year-old will play no part in the quadrennial event.
“I don’t know the plan…maybe 10 days, two weeks [to] go away on holiday with families, then two weeks to reignite our rhythm before we come back after the World Cup. I’m sure he’d prefer to be at the World Cup but unfortunately this time he can’t go.”
Meanwhile, Man City have had a stellar start to the 22/23 Premier League season. They sit second in the points table, only behind Arsenal. The defending champions have 23 points from their first nine matches, just one point short of table-toppers Arsenal.
Man City is unbeaten in the league this season with seven wins and two draws. They face fierce rivals, Liverpool, in their next match in the English top flight.
The Reds have had a miserable start to the season and they languish at 10th in the points table. Man City will be aiming to secure another three points and pile further misery on Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Liverpool host Man City at Anfield on Sunday, with the match kicking off at 9:00 pm Indian Standard Time.