Following Neutralizing Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Resurgent Liverpool Target Haaland

Arne Slot requested an encore of the team's showing versus Real Madrid when the title holders travel to Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Shutting down another of the world's best attackers, and securing a third shutout consecutively, would reinforce the manager's declaration that Liverpool remain in the chase for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 matches prior to coming at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of a difficult spell of Slot’s reign. Additionally, it served as perfect preparation for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that wants to play out, that will not sit in a defensive block and carries an obvious, rampant threat.

“There will be some similarities,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield last season. “We're up against a high-flying side like today and a striker, like today, who was on fire. When that happens you have to be precise and I think we showed we were solid collectively defensively.”

Reasons for Success

The manager's reasons for the successful performance against Madrid as well as Villa on Saturday – aligned with his explanations for the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven games. More recovery time, not conceding first, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations played a part. They backed up his earlier points and choice to sacrifice the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.

• The return of last season’s midfield core of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s backline.
• The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and authority to a defence.
• The German playmaker impressed again in the Champions League but not in the No 10 role he usually plays in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s driving influence in the midfield. The Hungary captain is flourishing currently and has cemented his place as a leader in Slot’s side.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” commented Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings during matches is remarkable, the skill that he has is exceptional and he is learning with every outing.”

Looking Ahead

The midfielder started up front alongside Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day took Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 matches to play. This weekend they will be chasing the leaders but, as Slot reminded everyone after beating Real, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.