Manchester City’s year began unremarkably and will most likely end similarly, but their success in between was unprecedented.

Pep Guardiola’s side began 2023 with an underwhelming 1-0 win against Chelsea, with Riyad Mahrez scoring the game-winning goal on 63 minutes. They finish the season at home against newly promoted Sheffield United, which should be a straightforward three points.

However, two weeks before the halfway point, on June 10, City defeated Inter Milan 1-0 in Istanbul to claim their first-ever Champions League title. After previously winning the Premier League and the FA Cup, they completed a historic triple.

City have always been projected to win Europe’s premier competition, but their failure to advance past the knockout stages has usually resulted in the criticism that they lacked a goalscorer. They had one this year.

Erling Haaland is one of three City players nominated for The Fans’ Footballer of the Year Award in 2023, and the Norwegian striker has staked his claim by scoring far more goals than anybody else. He has 44 at club level this calendar year and, fitness allowed, hopes to enhance that number before January 1.

Following his opening against Liverpool in November, Haaland became the Premier League’s quickest player to 50 goals, scoring in 48 games. Former Manchester United attacker Andy Cole, who is now second in the league, needed 65 games, while league all-time top scorer Alan Shearer needed 66.

The Norwegian also broke the record for most Premier League goals in a single season, scoring 36 in 35 games last season, surpassing those two iconic strikers. His season total was higher than Everton’s and Wolves’, with Southampton finishing level with the former Borussia Dortmund forward.

His 52 goals in all competitions last year broke Liverpool legends Mohamed Salah and Ruud van Nistelrooy’s previous Premier League record of 44 goals in all competitions.

Between March and April, he scored 14 goals in six appearances, five of which came in a 7-0 home triumph over RB Leipzig in the Champions League last-16. This season, the 23-year-old has 19 goals in 22 appearances.

City have never been a one-man team under Guardiola, but without Haaland’s goals, it’s difficult to envision Guardiola’s side having the success they do in 2023. He did not score in either the Champions League or FA Cup finals, but he did contribute significantly in the previous rounds.

Over the past year, the Norwegian has risen to become the finest striker in the world, but rival teams are most concerned about the possibility of him improving – and there is still opportunity for improvement. Haaland is still only 23 years old and is in his second season with a new squad in a new league.

After winning the Champions League and completing the historic triple, Haaland shown his eagerness to continue studying during post-match media obligations. Thierry Henry was on punditry duty for CBS Sports, and the City forward took use of the opportunity to seek advise.

“Recall when you were 22 years old. “There’s a lot you’re going to learn,” he said. “There are so many differences between when I signed from Dortmund and now.” From how I feel after games to how I feel before games, how I motivate myself, and how I communicate with others.

“You gain experience from people and on the field.” I agree; I have so much more potential.”

Outside of the Etihad, it will be a terrifying prospect from a guy who is already tearing up Premier League defenses for joy. Rodri and John Stones have also been nominated for the prize, with Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish in the running for the club vote.

However, Haaland’s goals, both in quantity and importance, make him the clear winner.