Virgil van Dijk and Erling Haaland are set to clash once more on Sunday when Liverpool travel to Manchester City for a Premier League meeting.
Van Dijk has been criticised by Wayne Rooney for his form in the early stages of 2025/26.
The Dutchman hit back at the ex-Manchester United ace, however, and has proven Rooney wrong with his actions on and off the field.
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Van Dijk has helped guide Liverpool to two wins in the space of a week and will be looking to make it three from three on November 9.
Virgil van Dijk raises a first in celebration after Liverpool's Premier League win over Everton at Anfield.
Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images
Erling Haaland on facing Virgil van Dijk
Ahead of Manchester City vs Liverpool, Erling Haaland has spoken about the Reds and their captain, Van Dijk.
In an interview with Stan Sport Football, the Norwegian was asked what it is like playing against the Liverpool centre-back.
He said: “No, of course, it’s fun. I play football, I do what I love, and of course it’s fun.
“He’s an amazing player, Liverpool is an amazing team. So as I said, we need to be ready.”
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How many goals has Erling Haaland scored against Liverpool
Pundits predict Liverpool won’t lose against Man City on Sunday, but keeping Haaland quiet is no easy task.
Ahead of the weekend’s action, Haaland has scored 13 goals in the Premier League, more than double that of the four players in joint-second place.
During what has already been a prolific career, the 25-year-old has scored the most goals against RB Leipzig (12 in eight matches).
Wolverhampton Wanderers, 10 in six, are the Premier League team Haaland has enjoyed the most success against.
As for Liverpool, he has found the back of the net three times and not provided any assists in eight appearances against the Reds.
Haaland’s last goal when playing the current Premier League holders was on November 25, 2023, during a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium.