Pep Guardiola believes ‘exceptional’ Erling Haaland will only get better

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola labelled Erling Haaland the “perfect person” after the Norwegian striker won the Premier League player of the month award for August.

Manchester City boss Guardiola compared the Norwegian striker to Johan Cryuff in midweek after his superb late winner against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

Whilst Haaland has already netted an extraordinary 13 goals in nine appearances for City since his £51 million (€58m) move to the Etihad Stadium from Dortmund in the summer transfer window, Guardiola believes he could go even further.

“He’s an exceptional striker, I’ve said it many times,” City boss Guardiola told reporters on Friday.

“But at the age he is, and I think he has ambition, he wants to be better and I think he will be better.

“He’s a perfect person to manage. He’s a nice guy and this is the most important thing.

“The quality he has he had before he came here and he has continued to do what he has done. We didn’t add many things.”

With Haaland in tow, City look unstoppable as they return to Premier League action.

However, Guardiola has warned his side need to be on top form on Saturday in what is set to be a ‘difficult’ game.

And he’s prepared his team for the possibility of going up against their opponent’s own deadly striker – Wolves’ new signing and former Chelsea star Diego Costa.

When asked on his thoughts on the goalscorer who could make his debut against City, Guardiola said: “Diego Costa made an incredible career, here, in Spain, his quality of course.”

He added: “We’ll adapt just in case he’ll play.”

Meanwhile, Guardiola confirmed Aymeric Laporte was back in training for the clash at Molineux, but stated he would not be available, whilst Kyle Walker is still a doubt for the fixture.