Newcastle United legend and the Premier League’s all-time leading scorer Alan Shearer has heaped praise over Manchester City hot rod Erling Haaland, saying he will be targeting at least 40 goals this season.
The 22-year-old former Borussia Dortmund striker scored his 19th and 20th goals of the season after Rodri had nudged the Blues into the lead on the stroke of half-time on Wednesday night.
Shearer was voicing his opinion on Amazon Prime after the game, openly fawning over the Norwegian while good-naturedly having a laugh with his fellow pundits that his scoring record of 260 goals would be toast as long as Haaland stayed in England.
He admitted after watching Haaland miss a host of chances in the first half that he felt the Norwegian youngster could have had ‘five’ on the night, praising his mentality to pounce back and secure an easy three points for his side.
“He missed a few chances on the night, one was in the first couple of minutes,” Shearer said.
“He offers you almost everything – he can get the tap ins. There’s not many weaknesses, but he’ll look at it tonight and be disappointed at the chances he squandered.
“I said it before a ball was kicked this season, I think a good centre forward will get 20 goals, and a fantastic centre forward – which he is… He will have a figure in his head and it wouldn’t surprise me if it’s got a four in front.
“I love his hunger and desire. I love that attitude,” he added.
“If you want to build the perfect centre forward from scratch, he is it. There isn’t anything he’s not good at. At worst, if he’s fit, he’ll be getting 40 goals. The ability he has around him and his own ability. He’ll get my record if he stays,” Shearer had said prior to the game.
Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, praised his ‘humbleness’ after the game – telling Shearer and his colleagues that he is an ‘exceptional guy’.
“I’m so upset (about his missed chances). Alan’s record is impossible. We are delighted for how humble he is – he came with a big reputation. He’s completely opposite – exceptional guy and he has a great work ethic.”