Guardiola hails Man City goal machine Haaland: At his age, no one can compete with him

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes that Erling Haaland's prolific goal record at his age are unmatched by any other player.

The 22-year-old striker has scored 17 goals in 10 competitive games for City since his summer move from Borussia Dortmund, where he struck 86 times in 89 matches.

Haaland ’s hat-trick against Manchester United on Sunday was his third in successive Premier League home games, he is averaging a goal every 54 minutes, has had 42 shots and has also laid on three assists – with two of those also coming in the 6-3 derby rout.

On Wednesday he will hope to add further to his record of 26 career Champions League goals from 21 matches as City host FC Copenhagen.

“At his age, no one can compete with him,” said Guardiola. “The numbers speak for themselves and inside, in the locker room, and on the pitch we see things that are not in the stats that make us feel happy to have him here.”

Another 22-year-old, Phil Foden, also scored a hat-trick as City put local rivals United to the sword and the City academy player is reportedly close to signing a new contract to tie his future to the club.

“Due to his performance during these years, of course we want him to stay,” said Guardiola.

“He's an exceptional player, he grew up a lot. Already he is many years with us, he's reliable in terms of his physical condition, he's so intense in everything, every three days he is able play.

MANCHESTER CITY RATINGS: Ederson 7: Very much a spectator in first half as City gave their rivals a masterclass in all areas of the pitch. No chance with wonderful Antony finish or Martial penalty. Saved well from Fred only for Martial to head home rebound. Reuters

“Both [Haaland and Foden], they know they can do better and hopefully