When Liverpool walk out at the Etihad this Sunday, one battle will decide much of what follows — Virgil van Dijk vs Erling Haaland. The Premier League’s most feared striker meets one of football’s calmest defenders.
One thrives on chaos, the other on control. And once again, the two giants collide in a game that could shape the title race.
Haaland has been unstoppable this season, scoring 13 goals in just 10 league games. He’s City’s main weapon, and when he’s on form, goals feel inevitable.
Yet, the Norwegian has found life difficult against Liverpool — managing only three goals in eight games against the Reds. Much of that comes down to Van Dijk, who seems to have the rare ability to keep Haaland quiet.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk knows he’ll need another perfect performance.
As pundit David Lynch told Sports Mole, “City don’t seem to have a lot of threat outside of Haaland. They are incredibly reliant on his goals and the good thing for Liverpool is that Van Dijk has marshalled Haaland well.”
Still, Lynch added a warning for Reds fans: “You can be perfect for 89 minutes but he will get you at some point. The job is to stop the ball getting to him.”
The calm before the storm
The key for Liverpool is not just Van Dijk’s individual defending, but how the team protects him. Arne Slot may once again turn to a low defensive block, the same setup that worked so well against Real Madrid earlier in the week.
The Dutch coach knows City like to control possession and work patiently, so cutting the supply line to Haaland could be Liverpool’s smartest move.
If Haaland doesn’t receive the ball in the right areas, Van Dijk’s task becomes much easier. And when he does, the Dutchman’s timing and reading of the game will be crucial. It’s like chess at high speed — one wrong move, and the ball’s in the net.
Van Dijk’s partner, likely Ibrahima Konate, will also play a key role. The pair must stay compact and communicate constantly, ensuring Haaland never has a clear run in behind.
Can Van Dijk keep Haaland quiet again?
The numbers say he can. Haaland’s only goal against Liverpool at the Etihad came two years ago, and Van Dijk was dominant in last season’s meetings.
The Reds’ captain has also silenced critics who questioned his form earlier this year, guiding Liverpool to back-to-back wins and looking back to his best.
As Haaland himself admitted when asked about facing Van Dijk:
“He’s an amazing player, Liverpool is an amazing team. So as I said, we need to be ready.”
There’s respect between the two — but no room for mercy. One mistake could turn admiration into agony.
Liverpool will look to counter quickly, using the pace of Hugo Ekitike and Mohamed Salah to hurt City when the chance comes.
But for 90 minutes, the spotlight will stay firmly on Van Dijk and Haaland — the unstoppable force meeting the immovable object once again.
If Van Dijk wins this duel, Liverpool could walk away from the Etihad with more than just points — they could walk away with renewed belief in their title push.