Following Stifling Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius, Resurgent Liverpool Focus On Haaland

Liverpool's manager has called for an encore of the team's showing versus Real Madrid as the title holders face Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Shutting down one more of the world's best attackers, while securing a third shutout consecutively, could strengthen Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in the chase for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Poor Form

The Champions League victory over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 games prior to coming at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of a difficult spell of his tenure. Additionally, it served as perfect preparation for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that wants to play out, which doesn't defend in a defensive block and poses an obvious, rampant threat.

“It will be similar a little bit,” 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 in form. When that happens you have to be spot-on and I think we showed we were good as a team defensively.”

Key Factors

The manager's reasons for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – aligned with his explanations for 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 following disrupted preparations played a part. They backed up his earlier points and decision to sacrifice the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad against Crystal Palace.

• The comeback of the familiar midfield trio 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, brought composure and authority to a defence.
• The German playmaker 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

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. His national team skipper is excelling this season and has established himself as a key figure in the team.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The energy he brings on the pitch is remarkable, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is learning each and every game.”

Looking Ahead

The midfielder started in attack alongside Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a alternative formation. That win in February took Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 games to play. On Sunday they will be playing catch-up but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to mount a comeback.