There are few certainties in life: death, taxes and Erling Haaland. The Norwegian superstar has lit up the Premier League with goals galore since his very arrival and continues his rise as one of the most prolific scorers in the modern game.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who has the fortune of possessing the lethal weapon that is Erling, is of the belief that it is Haaland’s ‘special mentality’ to always outperform himself in front of goal when no pressure is added onto his shoulders that is key to his goal-scoring prowess.
The youngster was ruled out for a brief period after sustaining an injury that kept him on the sidelines since November. But, upon his return to the PL with his match against Everton, the injury seems to have done very little to slow down the Norwegian, who was already back on the scoring charts with a brace.
Despite his absence from the Premier League, Haaland still rules the scoring charts in the league this season so far, having netted 16 goals in 18 matches for City who lie just a mere two points off the top spot with a game in hand.
And with the return of talisman partner and midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, one can rest assured that the young Norwegian will only add more to the tally as time passes.
“We don’t put pressure on him and say ‘you have to score goals for us’. No, we said ‘get involved with what we do and the rest will come naturally’,” stated Guardiola in a pre-match conference.
“He is so strong mentally after one goal, he wants a second one and then a third.
“You see his numbers at his age – in the Champions League even (Lionel) Messi does not have these numbers art his age.
“It’s unbelievable. He has scored goals everywhere all the time. He has a special mentality and attributes and skills.
“We are delighted to have him. And we are delighted he is back after two months out.”
Haaland has also run riot in the coveted Champions League, having scored 40 goals in just 35 appearances, including 17 in 16 for City last season, where he led the charge in their first-ever Champions League title-winning campaign.
The defending Champions League winners will now continue their campaign in Europe as they are set to face off against Copenhagen in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League on Thursday.
(with inputs from agencies)
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