Rival Premier League managers have reportedly been calling each other to discuss how to stop Manchester City summer signing Erling Haaland.The Norwegian striker, who joined City from Borussia Dortmund earlier this summer in a deal worth £51 million, is currently the Premier Leagueâs leading scorer with six goals from four appearances.On Saturday, Haaland notched his first hat-trick for City, who fought back from 2-0 down to record a 4-2 victory over Crystal Palace.The 22-year-old was too strong, fast and clinical for Palaceâs defenders and goalkeeper to handle.We havenât even entered September yet but, providing he avoids any injuries, it would be a surprise if Haaland doesnât go on to win the Premier League Golden Boot this season.Thereâs little doubt that heâll score many more league goals for Man City between now and May. Heâs simply too good not to.
'Haaland is like an alien'
According to a new report from Telegraph Sport, rival managers are so worried about Haaland, startled by his physical and technical attributes, that theyâve been speaking to each other about him.
Theyâve been trying to work out how to stop a centre-forward who has no obvious weaknesses.
The report claims one rival manager said Haaland is âlike an alien⦠stronger, taller, faster than anything we have seen beforeâ.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Erling Haaland of Manchester City heads in his first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace at Etihad Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Whoever the manager in question is, heâs not wrong, is he?
Haaland has the potential to become one of the greatest strikers in Premier League history, if not *the* best.
Letâs check out some of the reaction to the report about rival managers calling each other to discuss stopping Haaland:
Pep Guardiola sings Haaland's praises
âWhatâs important is heâs a lovely guy, down to earth,â City boss Pep Guardiola told reporters after Haalandâs hat-trick.
âHe could have come and... I donât know but itâs completely the opposite, we are completely in love with him.
âItâs not just the goals, itâs how happy he is. I see his behaviour and his body language. You pay attention to the body language of the players and, always, he is in the right position.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Erling Haaland of Manchester City interacts with Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace at Etihad Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
âItâs so tough [for a striker who is not in the game], thatâs why Iâm impressed. Heâs always there, encouraging the players, making incredible effort. He knows itâs coming. He has an incredible sense of that.â
Haaland scored a ridiculous 86 goals in 89 appearances during his two-and-a-half season with Borussia Dortmund and is currently averaging more than a goal every game for Man City.