Following Neutralizing Mbappé and Vinícius, Revived Liverpool Target Haaland

Liverpool's manager requested a repeat of the team's showing against Real Madrid when the title holders face Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping one more of the world's best attackers, while securing a third shutout in a row, would reinforce the manager's declaration that Liverpool remain in contention for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Poor Form

The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, who had 13 victories from 14 games prior to coming at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of the worst run of Slot’s reign. It was also excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a defensive block and carries an obvious, rampant threat.

“It will be similar a little bit,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We're up against a very in-form team 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.”

Key Factors

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid as well as Villa last weekend – aligned with his explanations for the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven games. More recovery time, avoiding early goals, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations were cited. They backed up 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 defense.
• The overdue return at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, brought composure and authority to a defence.
• Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not from the attacking midfield position he usually plays in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s engine in the centre. The Hungary captain is flourishing this season and has established himself as a leader in Slot’s side.

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

Next Challenge

Szoboszlai started up front 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 put Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 games to play. This weekend they will be playing catch-up but, as Slot reminded everyone after beating Real, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to mount a comeback.