After Neutralizing Mbappé and Vinícius, Resurgent Liverpool Target Haaland
Liverpool's manager demanded another performance like the team's showing versus Real Madrid as the title holders travel to Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Neutralizing one more of the world's best attackers, and securing a third shutout in a row, would reinforce the manager's declaration that Liverpool are still in contention for the major trophies.
Ideal Cure for Recent Woes
Their European win over the Spanish side's La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 wins from 14 games 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. It was also excellent groundwork for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a low block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.
“There will be some similarities,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield last season. “We are facing a high-flying side like today and a striker, like today, who was in form. When that happens you have to be spot-on and I think we showed we were solid collectively defensively.”
Key Factors
Slot’s list for the successful performance against Madrid as well as Villa on Saturday – were consistent with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six defeats in seven games. More recovery time, not conceding first, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons played a part. This supported his earlier points and choice to sacrifice the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad 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 each of Liverpool’s past three wins, restored calmness and leadership to a defence.
- Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not from the No 10 role he usually plays in the Premier League.
Szoboszlai’s Influence
Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s engine in the midfield. His national team skipper is flourishing currently and has established himself as a leader in the team.
“What you see is what you get from Dom,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The energy he brings on the pitch is remarkable, the skill that he has is exceptional and he is learning with every outing.”
Looking Ahead
Szoboszlai started in attack alongside Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Slot caught City cold by switching to a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day put Liverpool well ahead at the top with 11 matches to play. On Sunday they will be playing catch-up but, as Slot reminded everyone after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to mount a comeback.