🔗 Share this article After Neutralizing Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Revived Liverpool Hone In On Haaland Liverpool's manager has called for an encore of Liverpool’s display versus Real Madrid when the Premier League champions visit Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Neutralizing another of the world's best attackers, while keeping a third shutout in a row, could strengthen Slot's declaration that Liverpool remain in contention for the biggest prizes. Ideal Cure for Poor Form Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 wins from 14 matches before their arrival at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of the worst run of his tenure. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a defensive block and poses an clear and dangerous attacking prowess. “It will be similar a little bit,” stated 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 spot-on and I think we showed we were good as a team defensively.” Key Factors The manager's reasons for why things went right against Madrid as well as Villa last weekend – were consistent with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven games. Additional rest, avoiding early goals, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. This supported his previous arguments and decision to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace. The return of last season’s midfield core of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s defense. The overdue return at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, brought composure and leadership to a back four. The German playmaker enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not from the No 10 role he has occupied in the Premier League. Dominant Display Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. The Hungary captain is excelling currently and has cemented his place as a key figure in Slot’s side. “What you see is what you get from Dom,” commented Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings during matches is incredible, the skill that he has is exceptional and he is learning with every outing.” Next Challenge The midfielder started up front with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a alternative formation. That win in February put Liverpool well ahead at the top with 11 games to play. This weekend they will be playing catch-up but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.