Erling Haaland, now the toast of Manchester City’s attack, has shown remarkable evolution in his game this season, identifying four notable improvements compared to last year’s campaign, as highlighted by former City defender Micah Richards and legendary striker Alan Shearer.
Despite starting the season on uneven footing, Pep Guardiola’s side has quickly closed in on Premier League frontrunners Arsenal, standing only three points adrift after seven matches. Haaland’s contribution has been formidable, netting nine of the Citizens’ 15 league goals, propelling him to the top of the goal-scoring charts in England.
Last season, the towering Norwegian found the net 22 times in 31 appearances—a respectable tally, yet by Haaland’s own lofty standards, it fell short. This year, however, Richards perceives noticeable enhancements in four key areas of his play.
Discussing these changes on the podcast *The Rest Is Football*, Richards noted, “Haaland’s work rate has noticeably increased. Witnessing him at the matches, he applies more pressure, displays greater strength, appears fitter, and exhibits a heightened aggression in front of goal.”
Alan Shearer, joining Richards in the analysis, added his insight: “Haaland is an absolute juggernaut. Against players like Sepp van den Berg, he dominates physical duels, leaving no doubt about the outcome.”
On Sky Sports, ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher lauded Haaland’s prowess, stating, “We’re arguably observing the greatest goal-scorer in the history of English football. I can’t vividly remember the eras of Jimmy Greaves or Dixie Dean, but having watched Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Harry Kane, and Ian Rush, it’s clear Haaland is redefining goal-scoring excellence.”
In the latest testament to his form, Haaland secured the decisive goal in City’s 1-0 triumph over Brentford this past Sunday. Reflecting on his current state, Haaland remarked, “I’ve never felt better,” a daunting proposition for adversaries.
He elaborated on the team’s measured approach in West London, saying, “We prepared thoroughly for their tactic of long throws and balls. Our solid defensive performance and a stellar outing from our Italian goalkeeper underpinned our success. I’m incredibly proud of our collective effort.”
With City sharpening their focus on both ends of the pitch, Haaland’s emergent stature further cements Manchester City’s aspirations in the season unfolding ahead.