Pep Guardiola claims John Stones might ‘change’ Erling Haaland after goalscoring run

Manchester City’s gaffer Pep Guardiola has heaped praise on John Stones, likening him to Barcelona legend Gerard Pique after the centre-back’s recent goal-scoring spree.

Stones found the net again as the defending Premier League champions thrashed Sparta Prague 5-0 on Wednesday night. Stones’ hot streak follows his last-gasp header that sealed victory at Wolves.

With three goals already this season, including a dramatic equaliser against Arsenal, Stones’ contributions have all been pivotal. Guardiola, who mentored Pique to become one of the world’s top defenders during their time together at Barcelona, sees a similar knack for scoring in Stones.

In a light-hearted comment to TNT Sports, Guardiola quipped: “When Erling is not available John can play as a striker. Gerard Pique in Barca he had an incredible sense of goal and John is the same. He’s already scored a few goals. He’s back and I’m happy for him.”, he said.

With Stones’ tally now at three, he’s edging closer to surpassing his personal best for a season, set in the 2020/21 campaign when he reached his peak in goal-scoring terms with five in all competitions.

Haaland delivered another dazzling display in City’s emphatic Champions League victory, scoring twice, including a breathtaking volley. Despite Savinho’s cross being behind him, the Norwegian striker received the ball and demonstrated remarkable agility and quick thinking to guide the ball into the net.

Guardiola praised Haaland’s incredible athleticism, saying: “I saw it when the ball came in. It’s unbelievable. He’s a statue. So tall and so flexible. I like it, he has this sense of humour. Very similar to the Dortmund one a few years ago. Unbelievable. I don’t know which was more difficult, both very difficult.

“He had some chances but it’s difficult. He is literally on the penalty spot with three defenders and two midfielders – he’s always surrounded by five or six players. He’s so fast too that’s maybe why teams defend so deep.”

City took the lead at the Etihad in under five minutes, with Phil Foden scoring the opener, and Matheus Nunes sealing the win from the penalty spot.