Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk has revealed how the Reds succeeded in countering the threat of Manchester City star Erling Haaland during his team's recent 1-0 win at Anfield.
The Reds handed Pep Guardiola's side their first Premier League defeat of the ongoing season on Sunday, October 16. Mohamed Salah scored the decisive goal in the 76th minute of the contest.
Van Dijk, 31, returned to his best against Manchester City and paired up with Joe Gomez at the heart of the defense to stop Haaland from scoring. He even produced a crucial headed clearance in the dying moments of the match to deny the Norwegian a late equalizer.
Speaking at a post-match presser, Van Dijk shared his thoughts about his duel with Haaland. He told Viaplay Football (via Liverpool Echo):
"Personally in my case, everyone was talking about me against him and if I could still do it. All of this nonsense. So for me, it was just about focussing on the game and trying to win the game and getting a good performance as a team. I'm pleased."
The 2019 UEFA Player of the Year asserted that he always respects his opponents regardless of their stature and achievements. He added:
"I have respect for every player and every player who has achieved as much as they have. We play at the highest level. The guys we face have been through a lot. I always have respect for each one of them."
Speaking specifically about Haaland, Van Dijk claimed that the goal was always about stopping his supply line. He concluded:
"Obviously we have played against each other many times now and it has always been a great battle. Today was nothing different. Everybody from the outside world wanted to put everything on the 1v1 battle, but it was all about doing it together and stopping the service."
Haaland, who has bagged 15 Premier League goals this season, failed to extend his goalscoring run to 11 consecutive games across all competitions on Sunday. He registered six shots but to no avail.
Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk shows signs of form against Manchester City
Virgil van Dijk, who has been an impenetrable presence in Liverpool's backline for over four seasons, has come under fire for his poor form of late.
However, Van Dijk organized the makeshift defence around him to help his side register their fourth clean sheet across all competitions on Sunday. He also extended his Premier League record of most consecutive home matches for a single club without ever tasting defeat to 69. He now has 58 wins and 11 draws at Anfield.
Van Dijk has made 14 appearances this season, without missing a single minute of action. He is next expected to start in Liverpool's upcoming clash against West Ham United on Wednesday (October 19).
Wizzycletus
4
Yes by leaving the ball to play balls🤣🤣🤣🤣
Daphoenix23
5
Best answer so far on stopping Haaland… “stop the supply line” Stop De bruyne, Bernado and Foden.. let ur midfielders be defenders from the middle of the pitch..
Yapbdeikou
2
why is he going nowhere?? his colleagues are going somewhere, but he is going nowhere. Ask yourself why???
Sahbdikrst
3
he misses chances.. haaland was clearly one on one with the goal keeper 3 times... he should have scored at least two but the Viking.misses important chances
Dhevoe01
6
Van Dijk:The aim was the team should cut and stop his supply line.
micarger
2
They were just lucky but let's see next time whether they will maintain their defensive work at the Etihad because Erling Monster Haaland is going nowhere
perhaps it's the reason u lost coz u are always looking for one person(Haaland)
funcdkuz
0
They were just lucky but let's see next time whether they will maintain their defensive work at the Etihad because Erling Monster Haaland is going nowhere
If any opponent meet him try to focus carefully the original ball and leather ball between his leg and kick them.
boeeikprst
2
They were just lucky but let's see next time whether they will maintain their defensive work at the Etihad because Erling Monster Haaland is going nowhere