Van Dijk just HUMILIATED Haaland in the MOST SATISFYING way possible

After Liverpool's 2-0 win over Manchester City this afternoon, all of the attention is on the attacking players and how they managed to press City all over the pitch, understandably.

Mo Salah righted the wrongs of the past week with a goal and an assist, Luis Diaz won the penalty by selflessly pressing high, Dominik Szoboszlai was absolutely everywhere and couldn't be lived with.

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And despite City being toothless in their own attack, a large part of that was because of how ruthless Virgil van Dijk was today.

Facing up against Erling Haaland - the best finisher in the world - it looked run of the mill for Liverpool's captain. It was hardly different than when Liverpool face lower league opposition in the Cup.

And, most embarrassing of all for Man City, Van Dijk himself had more shots than even Haaland did.

Haaland managed two all game, whilst Van Dijk should have buried at least one of the three headers he freely found from Liverpool's unreadable crosses.

And, tasked against the usually intensely physical Norwegian, Van Dijk made sure he barely had a sniff.

The Dutchman registered the most defensive actions in the entire game with 13. These were split between three interceptions, one recovery, seven clearances - five being headed - and 2 blocks.

Van Dijk bullies Haaland

It was the clearances most importantly that turned the tide of the game. When City were dominating the ball in the second half they were looking to spring Haaland in behind, whipping the ball into him as their focal point.

And every single time Virgil van Dijk was there, using his mental awareness, positioning and physicality to make sure Haaland registered less shots than even he did.

At a time when a new contract seems to be on the horizon - as we have exclusively reported - he showed that any concerns about his ability to live with the world's young guns are well overstated.

Erling Haaland is not a difference maker. He's not a game changer.

Virgil van Dijk is and we love him for it.

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