Erling Haaland is off to a roaring start in the 2025 Premier League season, and according to football pundits Micah Richards and Alan Shearer, there are clear signs he’s evolved from last year. Despite Manchester City’s early-season hiccups, the Norwegian striker has already netted nine goals in seven games—demonstrating a more complete, aggressive, and determined version of himself.
Haaland’s Red-Hot Start Boosts City’s Title Hopes
Manchester City are just three points behind league leaders Arsenal after seven matches, and a major reason for their resurgence is Haaland’s prolific form. Having scored nine of City’s 15 league goals, the 24-year-old sits atop the Premier League scoring charts, reminding everyone why he’s considered one of the most feared strikers in the world.
Last season, Haaland’s 22-goal tally in 31 appearances was still elite by most standards. But for the former Golden Boot winner, it marked a slight dip following his record-breaking debut campaign. This time around, he seems hungrier, sharper, and more ruthless than ever.
Richards Highlights Four Key Improvements
On the popular podcast The Rest Is Football, former Man City defender Micah Richards broke down the four key areas where Haaland has notably improved this season:
- Work Rate – “He’s pressing a lot more,” said Richards, who observed the striker closely at a recent game.
- Fitness – “He looks a lot fitter,” pointing to Haaland’s increased involvement throughout the 90 minutes.
- Physical Strength – “He looks strong,” suggesting added muscle and endurance.
- Aggression in Front of Goal – “The intent seems different,” Richards noted, crediting Haaland’s heightened desire to dominate defenders.
Shearer: “He’s a Beast”
Premier League legend Alan Shearer echoed Richards’ thoughts and added his own praise, calling Haaland a “beast” during physical battles. Referring to a recent clash where Brentford’s Sepp van den Berg tried to go toe-to-toe with the striker, Shearer remarked, “There was only ever going to be one winner.”
Carragher: “We’re Watching the Greatest Goalscorer Ever”
Sky Sports pundit and Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher went a step further, declaring Haaland as potentially the greatest goalscorer in English football history. Comparing him to the likes of Harry Kane, Alan Shearer, Ian Rush, and even Sergio Aguero, Carragher said, “This is on a completely different level… He’s the best.”
Haaland Confirms He’s in Peak Form
Speaking after his match-winning goal against Brentford, Haaland was confident and composed: “I’ve never felt better,” he said—a chilling statement for any Premier League defender.
He also praised the team’s all-round performance, especially their defensive preparation and cohesion. “It’s a team sport, and we need to stick together—we did that today,” he said.
Erling Haaland is evolving right before our eyes, turning an already frightening striker into an even more dominant force. With Manchester City hot on Arsenal’s heels and their star forward firing on all cylinders, Pep Guardiola’s men look primed for another title challenge.
