dpa
London
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola claims Erling Haaland is beyond compare and even better than the statistics suggest.
Haaland has made a stunning start at the English champions, scoring 17 goals in just 11 appearances since his summer move from Borussia Dortmund. The Norwegian’s hat-trick against Manchester United on Sunday was remarkably his third in successive home Premier League games.
The 22-year-old is averaging a goal every 54 minutes, has had 42 shots and has also laid on three assists, two of which came in the 6-3 derby demolition of United.
On Wednesday he will hope to add further to his record of 26 career Champions League goals from 21 matches as City host FC Copenhagen.
Guardiola said on Tuesday: “At his age no one can compete with him. “The numbers speak for themselves and inside, in the locker room, and on the pitch we see things that are not in the stats that make us feel happy to have him here.” Haaland was not the only City player to shine on Sunday with midfielder Phil Foden, also 22, claiming a hat-trick.
Despite the high standards being set, Guardiola believes there is more to come from both of them. The Spaniard said: “Phil is an exceptional player. He grew up a lot and is already many years with us.
“He’s reliable in terms of his physical condition and he’s so intense and clever in everything. He is able to play every three days. “But both know they can do better and hopefully they can do it.”
One player yet to sparkle this term is Riyad Mahrez, who was one of the stars of last season’s title win and run to the Champions League semi-finals.
The Algeria international has started just four times and has not scored. Guardiola said: “I know perfectly Riyad, how important (he is). We need him to come back to his best - his best in terms of personality, ability, quality, his love for this game and how he enjoys playing.”
