After Stifling Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Rejuvenated Liverpool Focus On Haaland

Liverpool's manager has called for an encore of Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid when the title holders travel to Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Shutting down another of the game’s finest strikers, while keeping a third clean sheet consecutively, would reinforce Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in the chase for the biggest prizes.

Perfect Remedy for Poor Form

The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins 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 Slot’s reign. It was also excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, that will not sit 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're up against 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 solid collectively defensively.”

Key Factors

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – were consistent with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six defeats in seven games. More recovery time, avoiding early goals, 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 choice to sacrifice the Carabao Cup by using rotated players 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 the last three victories, restored calmness and leadership to a back four.
• The German playmaker enjoyed another good night 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 engine in the centre. His national team skipper is flourishing this season and has cemented his place as a leader in the team.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” commented Van Dijk. “He is very important. The energy he brings on the pitch is incredible, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is developing with every outing.”

Next Challenge

Szoboszlai started in attack with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a alternative formation. That win in February put Liverpool well ahead at the top with 11 matches to play. This weekend they will be playing catch-up but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to mount a comeback.