Erling Haaland has been one of Arne Slot’s main focuses during Liverpool training this week.
The Anfield outfit are set to face Manchester City on Sunday in a game which promises to be a spectacle.
Both teams are looking to try and close the gap between themselves and Arsenal, with the Gunners currently further cementing their place at the top of the Premier League table.
Mikel Arteta pictured during Arsenal's Premier League match against Fulham at Craven Cottage
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
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Liverpool’s recent upturn in form will certainly help the Reds feel more confident about their chances, with Miguel Delaney now sharing what Slot has been focusing on during the build-up to the game.
Liverpool are aware that they need to quickly shore up space when facing Erling Haaland
There’s no hiding from the fact that Haaland is the Premier League’s best player at the moment.
He’s contributed to 19 goals across all competitions in just 14 games, with 13 of them coming in England’s top flight.
Not many have managed to keep him at bay yet, but, as per a fresh report from The Independent journalist, Delaney, it seems like Slot has been trying to figure out the best way for his first-team squad to stop him.
“Over the past few days of training – including the victory over Real Madrid – Arne Slot’s main consideration has been quickly shoring up space: the sudden interventions that shut out openings,” he wrote.
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“The Liverpool coaching staff are all too aware that an Erling Haaland in this kind of form can suddenly get away from you, so Slot may have to continue his reversion to last season’s more robust midfield.”
If Liverpool can stop Erling Haaland then they should be able to beat Manchester City
When watching Manchester City, it’s clear that their main attacking output is Haaland.
Almost every single chance that City create goes through the number nine in one way or another.
There are times when others, such as Phil Foden, have chipped in with a goal or two, but the main thing teams need to do when facing City is close Haaland down.
Erling Haaland in action for Manchester City during their Premier League match against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
If one of Ibrahima Konate or Virgil van Dijk manages to stay on Haaland at all times, both of them can catch up to him when on the break.
Sunday’s game will certainly be an interesting one, with the solidity of the Reds’ defence set to be properly tested, whether they like it or not.