Author: Soorya G
Master tactician Pep Guardiola praised his Norwegian center forward Erling Haaland, who completed 50 goals in his first season at the English champions with a goal against Fulham in his last Premier League game. Haaland has now matched the likes of Alan Shearer and Andy Cole, who hold the joint record for most goals in a Premier League season, with 34, although Cole and Shearer achieved it in a 42-game season. Haaland, meanwhile, has 34 goals in just 32 games and is on course to finish well above the record.
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“If he doesn’t score the goals he’s scoring now, people will say ‘Oh, he’s in a bad phase’ – but his game can improve a lot. I wouldn’t say in the area, but in the game itself, the movements. I think he has this feeling, ‘Is this enough? I think he wants to improve as a player. As long as he has that, he can do anything.” said Guardiola.
Guardiola praised the Norwegian highly, not only for his incredible achievements, but also for the mentality he possesses. He said that Haaland’s self-confidence is a reflection of his ability. The Spaniard said it was a brilliant achievement to match legends like Shearer and Cole in his first season in England’s top flight, but, more than anything, he tipped his hat to the confidence with which he has conducted his performance this season.
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“I know him a bit and he’s so competitive and positive in his mentality. He has incredible, positive self-confidence. It’s not arrogance. It’s the self-confidence of saying I’m going to score and coming into his first season and he’s already scored 50, and equaled the record of two legends in Andy Cole and Alan Shearer.” added the two-time Champions League winner.
Manchester City host West Ham United on Wednesday, and Erling Haaland will have the chance to make history by scoring what looks like the inevitable 35th goal of the season.