“Sergio Agüero is one of the best, best, best strikers in the world, without a doubt,” Pep Guardiola stated after the Argentine striker scored his ninth Premier League hat-trick in a 6-1 demolition of Huddersfield Town.

The Terriers managed to keep City out until midway through the first half when one of goalkeeper Ederson’s accurate long balls down the pitch picked out Agüero and the club record goal scorer delicately lifted the ball over Ben Hamer into the net.

Gabriel Jesus added a second before Agüero was able to stab in a second following an error by Hamer.

Huddersfield pulled a goal back but David Silva’s brilliant free-kick made it four before Agüero completed his hat-trick with a superb flick from a Benjamin Mendy cross. An own goal wrapped up the rout but it was Agüero who stole the headlines.

Not a bad finish, @aguerosergiokun! #Aguero #MCIHUD pic.twitter.com/SrrIGUrLCR

— Sebastiaan Van Praet (@SebaVP17) August 19, 2018

A 13th career hat-trick and a ninth in the Premier League, only bettered by record scorer Alan Shearer (11), a tremendous start to the campaign for Agüero and an ominous sign for the competition.

“I never saw him like this since I was here. He is in an incredible condition with the ball and without the ball,” Guardiola said.

Agüero was not selected for the latest Argentina squad providing a number of the experienced players the opportunity to rest but there was also good news for members of Lionel Scaloni’s squad.

Zenit St. Petersburg fresh from their miraculous Europa League comeback in the week came from behind once more to defeat Ural in the Russian Premier League.

Going behind early, former River Plate youngster Sebastián Driussi scored twice in the space of four minutes to quickly turn the game round and with Artem Dzyuba sliding in a third from a Driussi cross, the result was wrapped up by Leandro Paredes.

And in some style. The classy Paredes, back in the Argentina squad, scored a beautiful 88th minute free-kick to cap off the win and will be eager to bring his undoubted quality to the national team.

As too will Franco Vázquez, finally given his chance despite previously representing Italy. The former Belgrano playmaker was named in Scaloni’s Argentina squad for the September friendlies and celebrated with a wonderful goal in Sevilla’s win over Rayo Vallecano.

Sevilla were far better than their hosts and it was Vázquez’s sublime backheel that opened the scoring en route to a 4-1 win.

Andre Silva’s hat-trick stole the show but Gabriel Mercado and Vázquez both laid on assists with Ever Banega also playing a central role.

And finally, Udinese came from two-down to draw with newly promoted Parma in Serie A.

Rodrigo de Paul sparked the comeback from the penalty spot as Udinese snatched a second to earn a point.