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

Liverpool's manager demanded a repeat of Liverpool’s display versus Real Madrid as the title holders travel to Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Neutralizing one more of the world's best attackers, while keeping a third shutout consecutively, could strengthen Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in contention for the biggest prizes.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

Their European win over the Spanish side's La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 matches before their arrival at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of the worst run of Slot’s reign. It was also 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.

“It will be similar a little bit,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield last season. “We're up against a high-flying side 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 good as a team defensively.”

Key Factors

The manager's reasons for the successful performance against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – aligned 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 previous arguments and choice to prioritize less 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 boosted the defense to Liverpool’s backline.
• The overdue return at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, restored calmness and leadership to a defence.
• The German playmaker impressed again in the Champions League but not from the No 10 role he usually plays in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s engine in the midfield. His national team skipper is flourishing currently and has established himself as a leader in the team.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings on the pitch is incredible, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is developing each and every game.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started up front alongside Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day took Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 matches 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 mount a comeback.