In terrifying news for the rest of the Premier League, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola claims Erling Haaland is still not back to his best after injury, despite the Norwegian scoring twice in City’s 3-1 win at Leeds.
Haaland struck two second-half goals after Rodri had given City the lead in first-half stoppage time.
Norway striker Haaland has now scored 26 goals in 20 appearances for City in all competitions since his summer switch from Dortmund, including 20 in 14 top-flight appearances.
“He misses chances, but the numbers are exceptional,” Guardiola, whose side moved back up to second and closed the gap on leaders Arsenal to five points, said.
“He’s an incredible threat for us and always in the right position at the right time.
“He is still not at his best because of the injury – to move his huge body is not easy for him, but as much as he can play minutes, (he) will be better.”
Guardiola said Haaland, who joined City from Borussia Dortmund for Stg 52.1 million ($A93m) in June, has not fully recovered from a foot injury sustained in his side’s goalless Champions League draw against his former club in October.
“I have the feeling he is not at his best,” Guardiola said.
“It is a matter of time … Of course we are delighted, but (without) that little (bit of extra) pace he had at the beginning of the season, he struggles a little bit.
“I am still more than satisfied, but the first part of the season he was sharper. He is getting better, incredible professional. He takes care of his body and mind.”
Leeds boss Jesse Marsch spent time in charge of Haaland during his spell in charge of RB Salzburg and has seen the 22-year-old develop into one of the world’s leading strikers.
“I’m just really happy for him,” Marsch said.
“In some ways, watching him score is painful. I want him in a different kit.
“But when you know some of these young men and you see their qualities as people, you want them to be their best – just not against you.”
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