Chelsea legend John Terry believes Erling Haaland could one day be regarded as the Premier League's greatest ever player.

The Norwegian hitman scored his third hat-trick in just eight appearances, as Manchester City smashed their local rivals Manchester United at the Etihad on Sunday.

After taking his tally to 14 goals, Haaland became the centre of attention once again amongst former players and pundits, who each took to social media to heap praise on the striker.

Erling Haaland scored his third hat-trick of the season against Manchester United on Sunday

Terry told

"He's just relentless!"

A huge shout from @JohnTerry26 on the future of Erling Haaland!#beINPL #MCIMUN 🔵👹 pic.twitter.com/gUdJZGngRB

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) October 2, 2022

'You're trying to compare him with somebody, I've never seen a player so young have that desire to score the goals he's scored. He is just relentless.'

Fellow ex-England centre-half Rio Ferdinand quipped that Haaland is treating the Premier League defenders with 'no respect' after his scintillating start to the season.

After Man City's 6-3 demolition of United, Ferdinand posted to Twitter: 'Absolutely dismantled… gulf between the 2 sides in Manchester! We showed some fight 2nd half or City took foot of the gas.

'By the way, Haaland is treating these CB’s in the Premier League with no respect.'

Meanwhile, Gary Lineker tweeted ironically: 'Once Erling Haaland settles in he’ll be really good.'

And former Manchester City star Joey Barton lauded the striker's goal-poaching instincts, praising team-mate Kevin De Bruyne once again for his exceptional playmaking.

He said: 'Wow. De Bruyne’s ball but Haaland is a true predator in that box. Phenomenal.'

Haaland now has as many Premier League hat-tricks as Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who stayed put on Erik ten Hag's bench throughout the derby.