Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has addressed his potential battle with Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk this season.
The contest, which will see one of the world’s most fearsome forwards take on a defender who is widely regarded as one of the best in the game, is bound to capture plenty of attention.
van Dijk hasn’t enjoyed the best start to the new Premier League season, with many criticising his performance against Manchester United on Monday, but Erling Haaland clearly still has a lot of respect for the centre-back.
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Speaking to FourFourTwo, Haaland stated, “It’s not me versus Virgil. It’s one against one. It’s 11 versus 11."
"I know he and I will be up against each other, but I’ll also be against Alisson and the rest of their defence.”
Haaland continued “This is modern, top-class football – it’s about more than good individuals."
“We have to be a great team, working together. It’s important not to look at individual battles too much."
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“It’s always nice to face the best and that what van Dijk is. I’ve played against him a few times, and he’s a really guy as well as an exceptional footballer."
“I like to play against him because he may be the best in the world. But I have scored at Anfield and for Norway against the Netherlands [up against van Dijk].”
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There’s no doubt that the Dutch defender will also be relishing the opportunity to face up with Erling Haaland this season.
Some of the criticism fired towards him in recent days has been exaggerated, and he’ll be certain he can get back to his best sooner rather than later.
Haaland, however, has made an impressive start to Premier League life, already scoring on three occasions, but coming up against van Dijk at Anfield in October will represent a completely different challenge for the Norwegian forward.
City Vs. Liverpool is a game like no other within this Premier League era, but if Liverpool are to keep up with their main title rivals this season, they need to pick up some points. And pick them up fast.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester City, Liverpool, Virgil Van Dijk