Jurgen Klopp explains why Erling Haaland is the ‘perfect fit’ for Manchester City

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has heaped praise on Erling Haaland ahead of his side’s clash against Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday. 

Haaland and his highflying City teammates will be looking to improve their dire Anfield record when they take on Klopp’s struggling Reds this weekend. 

So far this season, Haaland has looked unstoppable as he has managed 20 goals and three assists in 13 appearances. 

Ahead of the match on Sunday, Klopp has been speaking about the Norway superstar in his pre-match press conference. 

When asked about the first time he noticed Haaland, Klopp spoke about the striker’s time at Red Bull Salzburg and stated that he and City are a perfect fit. 

Klopp said: “Salzburg, we played them. What is it about him? Even when he was very young you could see the potential. I don't think he started at Anfield but we were already pretty busy thinking about him and how to close him down. He scored anyway!

“He has the combination of being pretty physical and technical. He knows where the offsides are, and reads it well. So many things to make a striker, and City has some of the best players around him setting up goals. It's a perfect fit.

“His finishing skills are exceptional but he moves really smart. You can only use speed if you use it in a smart way. His whole package makes it special” 

The Liverpool boss also labelled Haaland as the best striker in the world and outlined how his team could try to stop him. 

Klopp said: “He is probably the best striker in the world so we have to make sure he doesn't get many balls.

“That's what we will try. Against City, if you close Haaland down with too many players you open up gaps for all the other world-class players. It doesn't make life easier.” 

It is bound to be a monumental task for Liverpool to stop this City side but this game is a must-win for the home side if they are to hang on to their already slim chance of being involved in the title race. 

If Liverpool lose, they will be 16 points behind City and will be worrying whether they will be able to finish in the top four, never mind challenging for the Premier League.