ETIHAD STADIUM (VG) Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper (42) believes Erling Braut Haaland (22) is the best player he has ever seen in the Premier League.

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– No, I’ve never seen anything like it. Ha ha. This is the fact! He’s brilliant. You know, he has it all. Besides, he scores goals. “We knew we were going to meet a world-class striker,” Cooper told VG.

From the touchline at the Etihad Stadium, the Welsh manager of Nottingham Forest had to watch in despair as Haaland scored seventh, eighth and ninth Premier League goals for Manchester City during the first 38 minutes of the game. No one has previously scored so many goals in the first five Premier League games of their career.

– We’re going to need a miracle to get something out of the game when we go to recess, Cooper admits.

READ ALSO: Haaland unstoppable for City – sets Premier League record

The Forest Boss sighed heavily on his way up the three steps to the podium for his press conference afterwards 0–6 loss to City. Fellow coach Pep Guardiola (51), on the other hand, smiled when he met the media.

– Erling’s mentality rubs off on our team, said Guardiola with satisfaction.

He described Haaland’s desire to win as extreme. The courage, positive energy and courage of the Norwegian helps lift his teammates and crush the opponent.

READ ALSO: Haaland pays homage to those closest to him

Haaland’s rampage was broadcast live on British TV on Wednesday night. After that, former Swansea captain Ashley Williams (38) was amazed. The man, who also played three seasons as Everton’s goalkeeper, believes he will have to injure Haaland to stop him.

– To be honest, if I played against him now, I would use the red card tactic. Earlier! He is a real problem for everyone in the league now. He is a complete striker. He has it all, Williams said during Match Of The Day on the BBC.

On Saturday, the Premier League’s top scorer could create new problems for new signings, then for the Aston Villa crew in Birmingham. Kick-off is at 6.30pm and the match will be live on Viaplay.