Manchester City star Erling Haaland showed why he is hailed as the best striker in the world with a four-goal display against Wolves.

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Haaland scores four goals against WolvesRedknapp praises striker's ability and mentalityAlso defends Norwegian from criticismGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The Norwegian striker scored a first-half hat-trick for Pep Guardiola's side to put them in the driving seat before scoring a fourth past Jose Sa in the 54th minute. Man City cruised to a 5-1 victory thanks to the 23-year-old's inspired performance and former Liverpool man Jamie Redknapp was full of praise for the striker after the game. He also praised the striker's mentality as the Norwegian seemed miffed when Guardiola took him off for Julian Alvarez in the 82nd minute of the game.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT REDKNAPP SAID

Speaking with Sky Sports, Redknapp said: "We all want so much from a forward, from a player. Sometimes we talk about the little finesse and touches he maybe doesn't do as well. But what he is is an animal in front of goal. The mentality he has. He scored four goals and you could see he was furious that he'd come off, he was fuming!

"He wanted to score more goals. A lot of players that I'd play with that were goal scorers would have taken four goals, a standing ovation, take it easy for the game at Fulham next week. This guy is built differently. He's a phenomenon. To have him in our league, I just love watching him.

"All the goals that he scores, he wants more. He knew there was going to be another chance. The one that (Julian) Alvarez scored would have been perfect for him and he knew that. He wants to destroy teams. The guy is just built completely different."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Haaland is having a season that seems underwhelming compared to his last campaign, and he has received a lot of criticism for his performances. The Norwegian has even been blasted for his lack of involvement in some games for Guardiola's side which Redknapp feels is unfair.

"It's very easy to say what he can't do, but enjoy what he can! He has given City a difference," he added. "There were times when they won the league without a striker and we spoke about the final piece in the jigsaw and he's certainly that. They won the treble last year. When people criticise him I find it hard to understand sometimes."

WHAT NEXT FOR HAALAND?

The Norwegian has once again taken a form lead in the Premier League Golden Boot race, and going into the clash against Fulham on May 11, he will hope to pull a bigger gap on Cole Palmer and Alexander Isak, who now sit five behind the Manchester City striker on 20 goals each.