Having joined the Club from Borussia Dortmund last summer, the Norwegian striker has already shattered a host of records in what has proved an astounding debut campaign at the Etihad.
Last Sunday’s early penalty at Fulham saw him become the first top-flight player to score 50 goals in a season in England since 1931 while it also drew him level with Alan Shearer and Andy Cole for a record-equalling haul of 34 goals in a Premier League campaign.
With six league games to go, along with a two-legged Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid and FA Cup final against Manchester United, Haaland has the opportunity to break yet more records before the season is out.
Along with his 50 goals to date, Halaand has also provided seven assists, the sixth highest number in the Premier League, to further illustrate his quite remarkable impact
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However, looking to next season and beyond, City boss Guardiola is adamant there is even more to come from the 22-year-old with Pep warning that Haaland is armed with a burning desire to lift his game to even greater heights. And he says Erling has also relished the physical aspect of life in the Premier League.
“Of course,” Guardiola asserted when asked if he felt Haaland could improve looking to his second season at the Etihad.
“Always I said many times with Erling the future will be tough because you compare what he’s done.
“If he doesn’t score the goals like he’s scoring the people will say he’s in a bad situation but he can still improve. A lot.
“We spoke about that, in the movement and the game itself he can improve. I think he has that.
“I have the feeling he has a desire to get better as a football player. He can do it.
“And we’ll be happy, because going to war knowing you can do better, to do something better is the way. That’s good.
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“Yeah, I think he likes it (the physical aspect). It’s Norway - come on, Vikings!
“I also remember when we played v Borussia Dortmund here in the Champions League 2021, when we got to the semis, he made an assist for Marco Reus to make it 1-1 at the Etihad, and it was incredible.
“He has a good sense for the pass like the pass (he made) for our first goal against Arsenal last week.
“The goal from Kevin (De Bruyne) is exceptional, but the first touch is super, and he passes four metres in front of Kevin which means he has this ability.
“But I think first control is something he can improve and that’s what we’re talking about.
“I had the feeling when you talk about one idea, whatever he’s open minded and says ‘Yeah, I can do it better.’ That’s so positive for his life, career and, of course, for Manchester City.”
The City boss also opened up on how Haaland’s overall game had already helped prove vital to the team this term, alongside his prodigious goal haul.
Expanding on the theme, Guardiola spoke too about how Haaland’s City colleagues had learned to adapt to the striker’s strengths, incisive runs and powerful presence the longer the season had gone on, in order to help fully maximise his quality and threat.
“We have the feeling every game Erling is going to score a goal but it’s not just about that… he gives us many, many things,” Guardiola added.
“He’s involved in our pressing, in our defensive rate, involved in our long balls. They link with him and he helps us and gives us an extra issue that we maybe didn’t used to have.
“You always have to adapt to the quality of the players you have.
“But many times at the beginning (of the season) he made a movement between central defenders but we did not pass the ball as people were not used to that type of ball in the past.
“We saw one day I remember 20/25 clips in this situation and (said) look (at) Erling, and everyone said, give him the ball and he will be in front of the goal.
“We said it will take time, it’s the question of the connections. Not just with Kevin but with Gundo, Bernardo, Rodri, the full backs.
“At the end it was a moment like we find him more, I remember one game, I think v Bournemouth in the beginning (of the season), he touched one or two balls. We had to find a solution to that and having this guy here, we have to give him the ball.
“Step by step we were able to connect more our team with him.”
City v West Ham
City play host to West Ham on Wednesday in another key Premier League encounter with kick-off at the Etihad set for 20.00 (UK) and you can follow the game across mancity.com and our official app.
We will start live updates at 18:00 on our Matchday Centre and that will run throughout the evening.
Our Matchday Live programme will begin shortly before team news arrives at 19:00 (UK). Nedum Onuoha, David James and Esme Morgan will be the special guests joining presenter FG on Wednesday’s Matchday Live show, also offering their expert insight at half-time and in greater detail after the final whistle..
During the game, Alistair Mann and Andy Morrison will talk you through proceedings with our radio commentary offering.
Afterwards, we will bring you all the reaction before short highlights and extended highlights are available from midnight.
CITY+ subscribers can watch the entire 90 minutes back from midnight on Wednesday.
Don’t forget, the best way to follow Manchester City is by downloading the official app!
