Having scored a brace of goals against Leeds United at Elland Road to take his Premier League goals tally to 20 for the season already, Erling Haaland has become the talk of the town once again. 

The Norwegian forward is on course to destroy every Premier League scoring record that exists but what is even more incredible is the fact that his manager Pep Guardiola believes that the star striker will only get better after working on his fitness during the FIFA World Cup break.

Having played only 14 Premier League matches so far since his much-anticipated move from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, Haaland has already notched 20 goals in the English top flight. He has more goals than Chelsea have collectively scored so far in the league.

However, there were doubts on his fitness following his arrival to the club as he had missed a large portion of Borussia Dortmund’s games in the previous season due to injuries. The FIFA World Cup break, where Norway failed to qualify, came as a blessing for Haaland who was able to work on his fitness and recovery and even avoided the mental stress of international football in between an already sandwiched calendar.

“I think 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 will be better,” Guardiola said.

“I had the feeling he is not at his best. It is a matter of time. [He is] always an incredible threat for the opponent. The numbers are unbelievable but I have the feeling he is not just coming here for the numbers, he wants to win it. Still there are 70 points to play for.”

Not satisfied with the two goals he scored against Leeds, Haaland later admitted that he could’ve found the back of the net on as many as five occasions. Guardiola added that although he missed a few chances and could’ve done better, he was exceptional and was an incredible threat in front of goal.

Haaland’s best asset is his positioning and timing and that he arrives at the right place at the right time. A 3-1 victory over Leeds United where Rodri scored the opener puts Manchester City back in second place in the Premier League table and they continue to trail Arsenal by five points.