Heading into Sunday’s crucial Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Anfield there are a host of key contests all over the pitch. With world-class players all over the park, both teams have players who could decide the game at any point. But one particular duel could be crucial in the outcome of tomorrow’s contest. Erling Haaland and Virgil Van Dijk’s battle may go a long way in deciding the game should one player put in a dominant display.
READ MORE: Steven Mcinerney previews Sunday’s massive match at Anfield
The pair are both key contributors for their teams at either end of the pitch. For Manchester City Erling Haaland is their top scorer this season with 29 goals in 32 appearances this campaign. He will also head to Anfield in good form having scored 7 goals in his last 3 games. After a two-month injury layoff, the Norwegian striker is beginning to return to his best form at a critical point in the season. If Haaland brings his A game tomorrow it could be a decisive factor in Pep Guardiola’s side claiming all three points at Anfield.
But standing in his way will be Liverpool’s captain Virgil Van Dijk. The defender has been back to his best this season for Jurgen Klopp’s side. He has looked every bit of one of the world’s best defenders this season as he has helped his side to the top of the Premier League table. If Van Dijk can keep City’s number 9 at bay it may be crucial in Jurgen Klopp’s side claiming all three points tomorrow.
While it is a team game and both teams have plenty of match winners it does appear that Erling Haaland and Virgil Van Dijk’s battle may be a key component of tomorrow’s match. If one player can get on top of the other it could help inspire their team to a huge victory.
Both players are excited by the challenge the other provides
In the build-up to Sunday’s match, both players have shared their respect for the other. Erling Haaland and Virgil Van Dijk are both excited by the challenge the other player provides.
Speaking with TNT Sports Erling Haaland was full of praise for the Liverpool captain. He said playing against players like Van Dijk is the ultimate test as a player. Haaland said: “He’s a monster and I like to play against players like him because then you really test yourself.”
“van Dijk is unreal, I like to play against players like him”
Erling Haaland knows exactly what awaits when Man City face Liverpool this weekend, and he’s READY for the challenge! 💪 pic.twitter.com/UM8FTO5Qjv
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 8, 2024
Speaking with the Athletic Virgil Van Dijk was relishing the challenge presented by playing against Erling Haaland. The Liverpool captain said: “It’s always good to come up against one of the best and most in-form strikers in the world. He is a natural goalscorer, he has proven it and his numbers are speaking for themselves so it will be a tough afternoon but it’s a battle I am looking forward to.”
Sunday’s game is a massive fixture in the scheme of this season’s title race. Erling Haaland and Virgil Van Dijk’s battle is just one of many key contests all over the pitch. But which player wins that duel may have a decisive say in who takes home three points tomorrow at Anfield.
