Pep Guardiola has identified three players who could fill Erling Haaland’s position after the Norwegian star scored his seventh Premier League hat-trick.
After opening his goal account for the new season against Chelsea last week, Haaland continued his explosive form with a hat-trick in the 4-1 victory over Ipswich Town. With 10 hat-tricks and 94 goals in 101 appearances, Haaland is solidifying his position at Man City.
Following a full preseason, Haaland is on track to win his third consecutive Premier League Golden Boot. Despite having missed part of last season due to injury, this season, Man City will not have the support of Julian Alvarez, who transferred to Atletico Madrid for £81 million.
Even though Man City is aiming for multiple trophies, the team does not plan to sign another striker. Pep Guardiola believes that Phil Foden, James McAtee, and Ilkay Gundogan can take on Haaland’s role when necessary.
Before Haaland joined, Man City played without a fixed central striker for two seasons, with Foden, Gundogan, and Kevin De Bruyne rotating in the role.
“Erling cannot play every game,” Guardiola told beIN Sports. “Oscar Bobb’s absence is a significant loss. But Phil (Foden) can play in that position, near the penalty area. (James) McAtee can also play there, as he excels in exploiting space, and even Gundo can take on that role.”
Guardiola also admitted he is unsure what will happen at the end of the transfer window, but he trusts the team’s ability to maintain their current playing style.
When asked if Haaland is the best striker he has ever coached, Guardiola declined, instead mentioning Lionel Messi, who has won the Ballon d’Or eight times.
“The most incredible striker I’ve ever seen is Messi,” Guardiola admitted. “I’ve never seen anyone like him.”