'Why not?' - Erling Haaland told two factors that will determine if he will go down as Premier League's greatest-ever striker

Haaalnd scored 36 times in his debut campaign and has since found the net 91 times in 104 English top-flight appearances. He is leading the Premier League's golden boot race and is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. His Champions League form has been equally spectacular. He became the quickest player to reach 50 goals in the competition, scoring the opener in Manchester City’s 2-0 triumph over Napoli. The Norwegian reached the milestone in just 49 games, obliterating Ruud van Nistelrooy’s previous record of 62 matches.

Former Premier League star Teddy Sheringham has tipped Haaland to go down as one of English football’s all-time great forwards, potentially surpassing Alan Shearer’s legendary scoring record of 260 strikes. 

Speaking to Coin Poker, Sheringham said: “Could Erling Haaland become the greatest striker in Premier League history? Why not? It will come down to how long he stays at Manchester City, and that could depend on whether or not Pep Guardiola stays at the club for another few years. He’ll do well to beat Alan Shearer’s record of 260 goals, but he’s a top player and if he keeps going the way he is, then he’s well on course to do it."

Sheringham stresses that Haaland’s ultimate legacy hinges on two key factors: fitness and longevity at Manchester City. Staying healthy and committed to the club over several seasons could see him rewrite Premier League history, smashing Shearer’s record and etching his name as the league’s ultimate marksman.

"He’s a top goalscorer, but we’ll have to wait and see whether he stays fit and remains at City for long enough to break the record. If he’s still at the club in 10 years’ time, then there’s no reason why he won’t break the record," he stressed.

“He’s already broken the record for the most goals in a Premier League season, he was the quickest to two, three, four and five hat-tricks, and the first to score hat-tricks in three consecutive home matches. He obviously likes breaking records, and he might have already set his sights on the big one.”

Guardiola revealed recently that Haaland is dealing with a back injury, raising questions about his workload. Despite this, the striker was pictured in full training on Thursday and is expected to start against Burnley at the Etihad this weekend. City will likely manage his minutes carefully, but on current form, Guardiola will be keen to unleash his fire-spitting marksman against a vulnerable Burnley defence.