AGENCIES: Pep Guardiola hailed Raheem Sterling as an “extraordinary” talent after his 11-minute second-half hat-trick helped Manchester City demolish Atalanta and maintain their 100% start in Champions League Group C.

Sterling is City’s leading scorer with 12 goals in 13 games in all competitions this season and this latest ruthless display demonstrated again what a potent finisher he has become.

Guardiola feels there is even more to his game than just his goalscoring, however, explaining afterward: “His physicality is incredible. He is strong – the day after the game, he could play another game – his regeneration is incredible.

“He can play both sides and he is fast so, defensively, he helps us a lot. He is an extraordinary, extraordinary player.”