Following Neutralizing Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Resurgent Liverpool Target Haaland

Liverpool's manager has called for an encore of the team's showing against Real Madrid as the title holders face Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping one more of the world's best attackers, and keeping a third shutout in a row, would reinforce Slot's declaration that Liverpool remain in contention for the major trophies.

Perfect Remedy for Poor Form

Their European win over the Spanish side's La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 games before their arrival at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of a difficult spell of his tenure. Additionally, it served as perfect preparation for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that wants to play out, which doesn't defend in a defensive block and carries an obvious, rampant threat.

“There will be some similarities,” said 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 on fire. When that happens you have to be spot-on and I think we showed we were solid collectively defensively.”

Reasons for Success

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid as well as Villa last weekend – aligned with his analysis of why things went wrong during a run of six losses in seven games. Additional rest, avoiding early goals, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. They backed up his previous arguments and choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by using rotated players 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 welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, restored calmness and leadership to a back four.
• Florian Wirtz enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not in the attacking midfield position he usually plays in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s driving influence in the midfield. 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,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The energy he brings during matches is remarkable, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is learning with every outing.”

Looking Ahead

Szoboszlai started up front alongside Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by adopting a alternative formation. That win in February put Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 games to play. On Sunday they will be playing catch-up but, as Slot reminded everyone after defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.