Erling Haaland has emerged as a key leader for Manchester City, according to teammate Marc Guehi, following the striker’s standout performance in the club’s recent Champions League match. Haaland scored twice against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, surpassing Sergio Aguero as Manchester City’s top scorer in the competition. His brace followed his assuming the captain’s armband from Ruben Dias at halftime in the 4-2 defeat.

Haaland’s two goals raised his season tally for City to double figures and brought his Champions League total to 61 goals in just 60 appearances. At 26, he serves as vice-captain behind Dias, with Guehi and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma also part of the club’s leadership group. Guehi, an England defender aged 26, praised Haaland’s qualities both on and off the field, describing him as “a fantastic football player” and “a leader” whom the team is fortunate to have.

The Norwegian striker is closing in on Manchester City’s all-time scoring ranks, now just five goals shy of Eric Brook’s total of 177, who holds second place behind Aguero’s record 260 City goals. Summer signing Iliman Ndiaye also highlighted Haaland’s impact in attack, noting the striker’s reliability in converting chances. Ndiaye, from Senegal, commented that playing alongside Haaland simplifies offensive efforts, saying, “you just have to get the ball to his head or his feet and you know he’s going to get the goals.”

Meanwhile, fellow forward Antoine Semenyo, who joined Manchester City in January under former manager Pep Guardiola, acknowledged the influence of current manager Enzo Maresca on his development. The Ghana international, 26, experienced a scoreless night in the match but said Maresca’s guidance over the past three months has benefited the squad, observing noticeable improvement among the players. Guardiola was present in the stands for the fixture at the opponent’s stadium.