Pep Guardiola believes Erling Haaland is unrivaled and even outperforms the statistics.
Haaland has made an impressive start at Manchester City, scoring 17 goals in 11 appearances since joining from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
The Norwegian striker’s hat-trick against Manchester United on Sunday was his third in three home Premier League games.
The 22-year-old is averaging a goal every 54 minutes, has 42 shots, and has three assists, two of which came in the weekend’s 6-3 derby demolition of United.
As City hosts FC Copenhagen on Wednesday, he will look to add to his career total of 26 Champions League goals from 21 games.
Manager Guardiola said: “At his age, no one can compete with him. The numbers speak for themselves and inside, in the locker room, and on the pitch we see things that are not in the stats that make us feel happy to have him here.”
Haaland was not the only City player to shine on Sunday with midfielder Phil Foden, also 22, claiming a hat-trick.
Despite the high standards being set, Guardiola believes there is more to come from both of them.
The Spaniard said: “Phil is an exceptional player. He grew up a lot and is already many years with us. He’s reliable in terms of his physical condition and he’s so intense and clever in everything. He is able to play every three days.
“But both know they can do better and hopefully they can do it.”
One player yet to sparkle this term is Riyad Mahrez, who was one of the stars of last season’s title win and run to the Champions League semi-finals.
The Algeria international has started just four times and has not scored.
Guardiola said: “I know perfectly Riyad, how important (he is). We need him to come back to his best – his best in terms of personality, ability, quality, his love for this game, and how he enjoys playing.
“Step by step he will come back. Now he’s not playing much but he has to come back in a better physical condition and then the rest will come along. As a player I cannot teach him anything, he’s too good.”
The city has a three-point lead in Group G after beating Sevilla and Dortmund in their first two games.
In their back-to-back matches against the Danish champions, they will hope to make a strong push to the last 16.
Guardiola wants to put the elation of the weekend aside to focus on the next task.
He said: “You have to pay attention. A mistake and now you don’t have time to recover. We know how important our home games are.
“I spent last night and this morning watching Copenhagen. They are really good, well organized and you have to be careful.
“You have to return to reality and put in the effort to win an important game.” We’d be so close to the next stage if we could get nine points from three games.”
Right-back Kyle Walker is expected to miss out after being forced off against Manchester United, while midfielder Rodri’s calf problem will be evaluated.
