Erling Braut Haaland is breaking new barriers, and now both experts and manager Pep Guardiola are convinced that he is back at his best.
“If this is his ‘bad’ season, I expect him to be back in the high thirties for goals next season,” said Darren Bent during the Premier League’s Matchday Live broadcast, according to VG, after Haaland and City had crushed Wolverhampton 5-1.
The former striker was referring to the fact that Haaland had faced significant criticism for a prolonged period. After scoring four goals against Wolverhampton, most people, including manager Pep Guardiola, agreed that he was back to his best.
Roy Keane has been particularly critical, comparing Haaland to a fourth-tier player in England. Bent argued that the second season in the Premier League is always tougher.
“It just shows how good he is: You see strikers who have one incredible season and then they don’t even come close to the same figures in their second season,” he said.
Haaland now has 36 goals in all competitions this season and 88 goals in 94 games in total for City. There are still three Premier League games and the FA Cup final remaining.
Only seven players have scored 25 Premier League goals in two or more different seasons. An additional seven players have reached 25 league goals or more once.
Jamie Redknapp also did not hold back in his praise for the Norwegian superstar.
“He is built differently. He is a phenomenon. Having him in our league… I just love watching him and all the goals he scores. He always wants more,” said the Sky Sports expert and former Liverpool player.
He described Haaland as “a beast” in front of goal.
“And the mentality he has: He scored four goals today, but he was furious when he had to come off. He wanted to score more goals,” he said.
“The chance Álvarez had would have been perfect for him to get five. That’s what he wants – he wants to crush the opponents. He’s built differently,” continued Redknapp.
