Manchester City defender lauds “incredible” duo Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne

John Stones was full of praise for Manchester City pair Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne after the Blues’ 3-0 win against Wolves.

Pep Guardiola’s side remain five points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal following Sunday’s fixtures, after Erling Haaland netted his fourth hat-trick for City and reached another impressive milestone.

The 22 year-old helped the Blues to another 3-0 win over Wolves, scoring three goals to take his tally for the season to 31 in all competitions.

Haaland opened the scoring with a header and doubled City’s advantage with a smartly taken penalty in the second half.

The Norwegian secured his fourth Premier League match ball in the 54th minute after Riyad Mahrez unselfishly assisted the City striker after intercepting a poor pass by the Wolves goalkeeper José Sá.

Hailing Haaland’s latest Manchester City performance post-match, defender John Stones revealed his “love” for an “incredible” striker.

“It’s incredible. I think he’s probably got more than me in my career in half a season,” joked the England defender.

“Incredible player, incredible record that he’s got already, and I hope it continues and I’m sure it will because what a great professional he is, incredible player, incredible person, and I know how much he wants to do well, and do well for the team as well. Another hat-trick, I’ll be writing on his ball a little message after this.

“We have had a lot of good goals from different players coming off the bench, starting the games. Riyad (Mahrez) the other night. I don’t want to just put it all on him. We all need to chip in and we are doing but when he scores three in a game it’s difficult!

“I’m so pleased for him. He’s so clinical. I love Erling as a person and I think he’s an incredible player and he’s been so good for us so far and all the time that he’s been here.

“I don’t think that’s the last of it either, I think he’s got plenty more to come, he’s hungry, he’s ready to play, fight, score, whatever it is and I’m so pleased for him today.”

Stones was also quick to praise the impact of Kevin De Bruyne, who marked his return to the starting side after not featuring against Spurs in midweek with an assist which made the Belgian the highest assist provider in Europe’s top-five leagues.

“It doesn’t surprise me (his records). Again, congratulations to Kev – incredible achievement for him (to become the highest assist provider in Europe’s top-five leagues).

“You can put a ball wherever on the pitch and he’ll create chances, and that’s why he’s a world class player. He keeps coming up with these things.”