Following Neutralizing Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius, Revived Liverpool Focus On Haaland
Liverpool's manager demanded a repeat of Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid as the Premier League champions visit Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Stopping one more of the game’s finest strikers, and securing a third shutout in a row, would reinforce Slot's declaration that Liverpool remain in contention for the biggest prizes.
Ideal Cure for Poor Form
Their European win over the Spanish side's La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 wins from 14 games before their arrival at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of a difficult spell of his tenure. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that wants to play out, which doesn't defend in a low block and carries an obvious, rampant threat.
“There will be some similarities,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield last season. “We are facing a high-flying side like today and a striker, like today, who was on fire. When that happens you have to be spot-on 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 last weekend – were consistent with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven matches. Additional rest, not conceding first, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons played a part. This supported his earlier points and decision to prioritize less 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 overdue return at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, brought composure and authority to a defence.
- The German playmaker impressed again 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. The Hungary captain is flourishing currently 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 work rate he brings on the pitch is incredible, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is developing with every outing.”
Next Challenge
Szoboszlai started in attack alongside Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a alternative formation. That win in February took Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 games to play. This weekend they will be chasing the leaders but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.
