Pep Guardiola has been criticised incessantly in the past few seasons for quite a few things, and not deploying a pure centre-forward in most games has been one of them.
After Sergio Aguero departed from the club, Manchester City were left with only one recognised number nine in the form of Gabriel Jesus, who is also comfortable playing on the wings.
The acquisition of Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund for a sum of €60 million was readily welcomed as a shrewd move by most football critics. And although there were doubts at the beginning as to whether Haaland could replicate his form in Germany in the Premier League, it seems that he has settled quite well.
He already has 9 goals in the first five matches, arguably the best league in the world, along with an assist. His goal tally so far is more than the combined goals of West Ham, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth. His hattrick against Nottingham forest made him the player to reach two hat tricks in the Premier League in the shortest period.
His run of form in the Premier League is quite unprecedented for someone of his age as well as experience. Since, in general, players from other leagues might have a hard time coping in their first season. Football pundits are in awe of his ability to outpace defenders with his superior physique and his understanding of the game. Moreover, he seems to have no problem fitting into Pep Guardiola's style of play, which is different from the one he was used to in Germany.
As Manchester City seem to have fixed the only thing broken in their squad, they are probably the most balanced team in world football now. If everything goes the way it has been from the beginning of the season, they have a fair shot at the UEFA Champions League.
At this moment, no other team in Europe seems to have the perfect balance between stardom and synchronisation like Manchester City.
It will be interesting to see whether Haaland can keep his form in the future and score at the same rate. Pep Guardiola will hope he does, as he might be his best weapon to win his first Champions League after leaving Barcelona.
