Erling Haaland has called Virgil van Dijk a ‘monster’ as the Manchester City forward prepares to take on the Liverpool captain this weekend.
The Premier League title rivals meet in a titanic first-versus-second clash at Anfield on Sunday, with just one point separating the two teams in the table.
One of the deciding contests in the clash could be Haaland’s personal duel with Van Dijk, each regarded as arguably the Premier League’s best in their respective positions.
Haaland is the Premier League’s leading scorer once again as he looks to win back-to-back Golden Boot accolades, but is anticipating a tough test against Van Dijk who has returned to his best this season.
The Dutch defender leads the Premier League for aerial duels won (112) and percentage of aerial contests won (84.2%) this season, reestablishing himself as the league’s leading centre-back after inheriting the captain’s armband at Anfield in the summer.
Haaland has praised Van Dijk as his toughest opponent previously and is relishing another chance to test himself against the 32-year-old in a high-stakes showdown this weekend.
“He’s the main guy in Liverpool and I’ve said it for many years, he’s unreal,” Haaland said to TNT Sports.
“He’s a really nice guy as well, which also helps. So yeah, he’s a monster.
“I like to play against players like him because then you really test yourself. So what can I say? It’s going to be a nice game.”
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