City beat competition from across Europe for Norway after scoring 86 goals in 89 games for Borussia Dortmund.
But any doubts over Haaland’s ability to fit into Guardiola’s system came early from his match-winning performance in a 2-0 win at West Ham after City played no natural striker after winning the Premier League for the past two years. It’s over.
“He is an extraordinary player,” Guardiola said at a pre-match press conference ahead of Bournemouth’s tour of Etihad on Saturday.
“You don’t need to tell it, everyone knows it, but we’re only together a few times. He’s an incredible competitor, and he wants to win.”
Haaland has repeatedly talked about the need to improve his game in his first few months at City and Guardiola is looking forward to developing his new exciting quartet of attacking options.
Argentine international Julian Alvarez also arrived at the Etihad this summer, while academy graduates Phil Foden and Cole Palmer are expected to get more playing time this season after the departure of Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling.
“I want to improve these players. Erling can be a better player and I think he has the will to do that,” Guardiola said.
“I’ve never seen a player who at 21, 22 years old – maybe (Lionel) Messi – finished business.
“Always you can improve and we will try. When he (Halland) is gone, we want him to say he is a better player than he came.”
Guardiola also confirmed the arrival of Sergio Gómez, although the club has not officially announced his signing from Anderlecht.
An alleged £11 million ($13 million) fee has been imposed between clubs with the Spanish under-21 international set to add depth to both full-back positions.
And Guardiola dismissed suggestions that Gomez could be sent on loan this season.
“He’s going to be with us,” said the city boss.
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