Pep Guardiola has lavished praise on Manchester City’s prolific striker, Erling Haaland, highlighting how the Norwegian star has become even “sharper” this season, Soccernet.football reports.
Haaland, who stunned the Premier League in his debut season by scoring an astonishing 52 goals across all competitions, experienced a more challenging campaign last year due to multiple injuries. Despite this, he still secured the Golden Boot with 27 league goals and 38 in total.
This season, Haaland has already made a strong statement, netting four goals in just two Premier League matches, including a hat-trick against Ipswich Town.
Guardiola is thrilled with the 24-year-old’s current form, pointing out that Haaland is showing signs of improvement and has become even more formidable on the pitch.
Speaking to the press, Guardiola expressed his admiration for Haaland’s work ethic and intensity.
“I had the feeling that he is sharper,” the City manager noted.” After training sessions, he stays longer to practise the crosses and controls. Last season it never happened because he was not perfect. With his body, he has to be perfect to perform at that level. Last season was fine.”
Guardiola also praised Haaland’s relentless defensive and offensive energy, likening his pressing to that of an “animal.”
He added, “I like when he runs a lot. I like it when he presses like an animal. It helps to score a goal. When you are connected defensively, you are connected offensively. His body language… imagine a central defender has the ball and he makes a sprint with his body and legs moving. It’s scary.
“And helps us with the people in the middle to support him. And then we are more effective in our high pressing. We need him. This is not negotiable. If you don’t score a goal, it’s fine. But you need to do it.”
Haaland’s next challenge comes on Saturday as Manchester City face West Ham in a Premier League showdown in London. The Norwegian striker will undoubtedly look to continue his impressive start to the season, much to the concern of their rivals.