Erling Haaland is even better than previous seasons – Manuel Akanji

Manuel Akanji believes the prolific Erling Haaland has improved since last season.

Haaland has made a blistering start to the new Premier League campaign, scoring nine goals – including two hat-tricks – in just four games.

His latest salvo was a double as the champions came from behind to maintain their 100 per cent start with a 2-1 win over Brentford at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Yet while extraordinary, those numbers are not necessarily outstanding for the Norwegian, who has now scored 99 goals in 103 appearances for City.

However team-mate Akanji, who also played alongside Haaland at Borussia Dortmund, feels he is now a better all-round player.

The Switzerland defender said: “It’s hard to say as he’s been scoring so many goals for us since he joined, but I think this season he is more involved in the game. He’s holding up the ball really well for the team.

“But that’s nine goals in four Premier League games too. I just hope he keeps scoring like this because he’s a really good help for us, even when it’s a tougher game.

“We just have to do our job in defence and know the guys up front will help us. I hope he can keep going.”

Haaland’s brace turned the game around for City after Yoane Wissa had capitalised on a mistake to head the Bees into a shock lead after just 22 seconds.