After Stifling Mbappé and Vinícius, Resurgent Liverpool Focus On Haaland
Arne Slot demanded another performance like Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid as the Premier League champions travel to Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping another of the game’s finest strikers, while keeping a third clean sheet in a row, could strengthen Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in the chase for the biggest prizes.
Perfect Remedy for Recent Woes
Their European win over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, who had 13 victories from 14 matches before their arrival at Anfield, was the perfect remedy 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 low block and poses 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 precise 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 last weekend – aligned with his analysis of the earlier struggles 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 following disrupted preparations were cited. They backed up his previous arguments 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 each of Liverpool’s past three wins, restored calmness and leadership to a defence.
- Florian Wirtz enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not in the No 10 role he has occupied in the Premier League.
Szoboszlai’s Influence
Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s driving influence in the midfield. His national team skipper is excelling this season and has cemented his place as a key figure in Slot’s side.
“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The energy he brings on the pitch is remarkable, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is learning with every outing.”
Looking Ahead
Szoboszlai started in attack alongside Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by switching to 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 playing catch-up but, as Slot reminded everyone after defeating Madrid, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to mount a comeback.
