🔗 Share this article Following Containing 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 travel to Manchester City on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping one more of the world's best attackers, while securing a third shutout in a row, would reinforce Slot's declaration that Liverpool are still in the chase for the major trophies. Ideal Cure for Recent Woes The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 wins from 14 matches before their arrival at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of a difficult spell of his tenure. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, that will not sit in a defensive block and poses an clear and dangerous attacking prowess. “There will be some similarities,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield last season. “We're up against 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 on Saturday – aligned with his analysis of why things went wrong during a run of six defeats in seven games. More recovery time, not conceding first, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations were cited. This supported his earlier points and decision to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace. The return of the familiar midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch boosted the defense to Liverpool’s defense. The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, brought composure and authority to a defence. Florian Wirtz enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not in the attacking midfield position he has occupied in the Premier League. Dominant Display Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s engine in the midfield. The Hungary captain is excelling this season and has established himself as a leader in the team. “What you see is what you get from Dom,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The energy he brings on the pitch is incredible, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is developing with every outing.” Looking Ahead Szoboszlai started in attack with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a 4-2-2-2. That win in February took Liverpool well ahead at the top with 11 matches to play. On Sunday they will be playing catch-up but, as the manager emphasized after defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to mount a comeback.