Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott has warned that Erling Haaland might not be as good this season as he was in 2022/23.
Haaland enjoyed a sensational first season at City, proving an exception to the rule that attacking players require a year to adapt to adapt and bed into Pep Guardiola’s system.
The 23-year-old scored a remarkable 52 goals in 53 appearances in all competitions as City won a historic treble.
Haaland’s 36 Premier League goals broke the division’s single-season goals record, bettering the 34 notched by both Andrew Cole and Alan Shearer during 42-game seasons.
He also became the first Premier League player ever to score three consecutive hattricks in three home matches.
City paid Borussia Dortmund £52m to bring Haaland to the Etihad Stadium, making him arguably one of the best value signings in recent history.
Lescott urges caution
However, it might be unwise for City fans to expect Haaland to hit the dizzying heights of his debut campaign in the upcoming season.
That’s the view of former City and England defender Joleon Lescott anyway.
“We can’t expect him to continue to break a record every year. It’d be difficult to do that,” Lescott said to Stats Perform.
“I think if he maintains the level that he set, then he’s going to be an iconic player for the Premier League, for City.
“Defenders will have to adapt to what he does and what he’s done because if they don’t then he will continue to score the goals that he has.
“So I’m sure there will be different approaches and different solutions for [playing against] Erling this season.”
MCN view: Haaland will find a way
Lescott is right to be cautious – there were times last season when opponents appeared to figure out ways of dealing with Haaland’s threat.
The striker ended last season with a five-game goalless run, but he still had a big influence in games by creating space and opportunities for teammates.
Whether he hits the records of last season remains to be seen, but Haaland looks set to enjoy another fine year in sky blue.
