Haaland now has an remarkable 46 goals in 50 games for club and country this season.
Not only has he spearheaded Norway’s successful quest to reach the World Cup, but he will also lead City’s Premier League and FA Cup charge in the final two months of the season.
The 25-year-old converted from the penalty spot to set City on their way against Liverpool, before heading his second from Antoine Semenyo’s cross and stroking into an open net to complete the hat-trick.
A thorn in Liverpool’s defence, Haaland became just the third Premier League player to score in four or more consecutive home games against the Reds after Chris Sutton and former City forward Sergio Aguero.
Haaland’s hat-trick was a welcome return to form for a player who had netted just once in his past seven games in all competitions, including a blank for Norway.
“I worked with a lot of good strikers, with a lot of goals, with a lot of finals and trophies,” said Lijnders, a former Liverpool coach. “Erling scored the 12th hat-trick today for Man City and the second goal was insane.
“He weighed the attack, he flies, the way he puts the ball into the corner. I love these old-school striker goals.
“I am not saying he carries Norway, but we all know how important he is for them, he feels that responsibility.”
Norway will be making their first appearance at a World Cup in 28 years this summer. Haaland might be finding form that he can carry through to the end of the season and beyond, which would please club and country.
“It is clear then that not everything throughout a long season will go your way,” said Lijnders, “but it shows character again and mentality that he comes back in this fashion.”