After Containing Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Rejuvenated Liverpool Target Haaland
Liverpool's manager demanded a repeat of Liverpool’s display versus Real Madrid when the Premier League champions face Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Neutralizing another of the world's best attackers, while keeping a third clean sheet consecutively, could strengthen the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in the chase for the major trophies.
Ideal Cure for Poor Form
The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, who had 13 victories from 14 games prior to coming at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of a difficult spell of his tenure. It was also perfect preparation for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that wants to play out, which doesn't defend in a low block and carries an obvious, rampant threat.
“It will be similar a little bit,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We are facing a very in-form team like today and a striker, like today, who was in form. When that happens you have to be precise and I think we showed we were good as a team defensively.”
Key Factors
Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – were consistent with his explanations for the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven matches. Additional rest, not conceding first, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. This supported his earlier points and choice to sacrifice the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad against Crystal Palace.
- The comeback of last season’s midfield core of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s backline.
- The overdue return at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, restored calmness and leadership to a back four.
- Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not in the attacking midfield position he usually plays in the Premier League.
Szoboszlai’s Influence
Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s engine in the midfield. The Hungary captain is excelling currently and has established himself as a leader in the team.
“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The energy he brings during matches is remarkable, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is developing each and every game.”
Next Challenge
The midfielder started up front alongside Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Slot caught City cold by adopting a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day took Liverpool well ahead at the top with 11 games to play. This weekend they will be chasing the leaders but, as the manager emphasized after defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to mount a comeback.
