Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, has expressed his surprise at the impressive goal-scoring abilities of his striker, Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian international is on the verge of breaking the Premier League’s single-season goal record, having scored his 34th goal of the campaign in City’s recent 2-1 victory over Fulham.
Haaland’s incredible form has seen him join Andy Cole and Alan Shearer as the joint record holders for the most goals scored in a single Premier League season.
The 22-year-old’s goal at Craven Cottage was also his 50th of the season in all competitions, a feat that no Premier League player has achieved since the league’s rebranding in 1992.
Guardiola has been amazed by Haaland’s goal-scoring exploits this season, with the manager praising the striker’s talent and work ethic.
The Spaniard believes that Haaland’s performances have been a significant factor in City’s success this season and has hailed his impact on the team.
“It is a surprise for all of us — maybe not for him — to do what he’s doing in this difficult league but the way he behaves and has done it is for the success of the team,” he said.
“Of course it’s good for him and the team if he breaks the records. It’s a good sign.
“The magnitude of a record is because for a long time it was not broken. All records will be broken one day.
“I’m pretty sure he is going to score more goals in the Premier League until the end of the season.”
In-form City put themselves firmly in control of the title race with their 4-1 rout of Arsenal last week.
But, after being pushed hard by Fulham, Guardiola is not taking anything for granted ahead of City’s home game against West Ham on Wednesday.
“West Ham maybe didn’t do the season they expected but that doesn’t mean the quality is not there,” he said.
“In the last two seasons with David Moyes they have been exceptional.
“The weapons are there, they are a good team. I don’t have doubts about them. In one game anything can happen. We have to be absolutely ready.”
Haaland’s rise to stardom has been remarkable, with the striker establishing himself as one of the most lethal forwards in world football.
He has already surpassed the 100-goal mark in his club career, having played for Molde, RB Salzburg, and Borussia Dortmund before joining City last summer.
The Norwegian’s impressive performances have also attracted interest from other top European clubs, with the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly interested in signing him this summer.
However, City remain keen to keep hold of their prized asset and are expected to offer him a new contract in the coming months.
Despite his young age, Haaland has already established himself as one of the best strikers in the world, and his performances this season have put him in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or award.
The Norwegian’s incredible scoring feats have also led to speculation about his future, with a number of top European clubs reportedly interested in signing him.
Guardiola will be aware of the need to continue to develop Haaland’s game and help him reach his full potential, which could see him become one of the all-time greats of the game.
As City look to secure the Premier League title and progress in the Champions League, Guardiola will be hoping that Haaland can continue his remarkable scoring form and help lead the team to further success.
Haaland’s tremendous in-form has earned him comparisons with football’s GOAT (Greatest of All Time) like Messi and Ronaldo.