Erling Haaland’s comments on Virgil van Dijk may just give Liverpool some cause for optimism despite Manchester City’s deal for the Norwegian striker.
City confirmed the signing of Haaland on Tuesday, announcing his arrival from Borussia Dortmund with the deal still subject to agreeing personal terms.
The Guardian have the details though, claiming that Haaland will earn £350,000-a-week in wages at City.
City are paying the £51million release clause in Haaland’s contract and he will join up ahead of next season.
The move has earned widespread praise with even ex-Manchester United man Danny Higginbotham calling the deal ‘incredible’.
Erling Haaland’s comments on Virgil van Djik
This move of course means another dangerous weapon for Manchester City in their battles against Liverpool.
The pair look set to battle it out for years to come and Haaland is a major threat to Liverpool.
We will now see Haaland go up against Liverpool defender Van Dijk on a regular basis.
That promises to be an incredible battle and we all know what Haaland thinks of Van Dijk.
Haaland face Van Dijk during an international game between Norway and the Netherlands as well as in the Champions League for Red Bull Salzburg.
Haaland has previously admitted that he thinks Van Dijk is a ‘physical monster’.
The new City star noted that Van Dijk’s timing is ‘crazy’ and he doesn’t think he won a single duel against him.
“You know how tall he is, how strong he is and how fast he is, and also the timing is crazy,” said Haaland. “I don’t think I won one duel against him because he’s a physical monster.”
Liverpool will need Van Dijk to neutralise Haaland
That has to be pretty encouraging for Liverpool as it sounds like Haaland doesn’t exactly love playing against Van Dijk.
There is though the fear that Haaland has time to develop his game and adjust to playing against Van Dijk – all whilst the Dutchman heads towards his 30’s.
Haaland has scored a ridiculous 85 goals in 88 games for Dortmund and will be looking to replicate those goalscoring feats at City.
Whenever Liverpool meet Haaland, they need Van Dijk to be on top form to try and stop him.
Van Dijk is quite simply the best defender in the Premier League, so you would back him against anybody.
Haaland will be a huge test though and if Liverpool are to get the better of City in their meetings next season, Van Dijk v Haaland will be the key battle.
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