Coach Pep Guardiola believes Erling Haaland is in the prime of his career, even better than his senior season.
In the 2022-2023 season, Haaland's first campaign at Man City, has been recognized as one of the most impressive debuts in football history. The Norwegian striker has not only contributed greatly to the treble - Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League - but has also won almost every noble individual award.
The Norwegian striker has won all his noble individual titles. From the Premier League Golden Boot, FWA Player of the Year, to the Best Player and Best Young Player of the Season brace. Haaland was also included in the typical squad of the Champions League, concluding a perfect debut season.
The 25-year-old has scored 52 goals in all competitions, more than any player has scored in a single season for a Premier League club. That includes a record of 36 goals in the Premier League.
Although Man City started this year's season a bit slowly, Haaland entered the new year with explosive form. The upcoming Premier League match against Arsenal promises to be the next test of the Norwegian striker's strength.
The 24-year-old has scored five goals in just the opening four rounds of the Premier League this season, while continuing to score in the Champions League with another goal. These figures show that Haaland is maintaining a fearsome scoring performance, despite Man City's not-so-istic start.
Haaland scored twice in Man City's win over Manchester United in the derby last weekend. After the match, he received special compliments from Guardiola.
"Erling Haaland played great. This season, he is better than ever. I even think he's better than in the treble season. Haaland plays energetically and is very dynamic. We want him to continue to score and help the team improve" - the Spanish captain said.
Haaland is currently the number one scorer of The Citizens with 5 goals in the Premier League this season. Meanwhile, teammates like Tijjani Reijnders, Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki have only scored one goal each.
This scenario is not much different from previous seasons, when Man City still mainly relied on Haaland to carry the scoring step. That further shows the importance of a true striker - something that neighboring Man United are lacking, at least for now.
Guardiola also praised Haaland's maturity off the pitch, stressing the importance of consistency and continuity. For the Man City coach, Haaland's value is not just the numbers of goals he has scored. That is also the comprehensive development journey that the Norwegian striker is going through in his career.
Haaland is becoming the representative face of the Norwegian national team in its bid to win a ticket to a major tournament for the first time since EURO 2000. Guardiola admitted that this would be an important milestone in his student's career, while emphasizing the development journey Haaland has gone through.
Haaland may have re-written history, but according to Guardiola, the best are yet to come. At the age of 25, the Norwegian striker is still constantly improving himself, both on and off the pitch. For Man City and the Norwegian national team, the journey with Haaland has just begun.
