Erling Haaland comments on Liverpool ahead of Champions League clash

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Erling Haaland has told RedBull Salzburg’s official website that he is not afraid of facing Virgil van Dijk and Liverpool as the two sides prepare to do battle in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Haaland has taken the Champions League by storm after the first round of matches, after scoring a hat-trick in his first Champions League match during a 6-2 victory over Norwegian side Molde FK.

The 19-year-old – who was born in Leeds, and the son of ex-Leeds star Alf Inge Haaland – has been in breathtaking form for the Austrian side this season – scoring a huge 17 goals in just 10 league and cup outings, including three hat-tricks.

Haaland admitted that Liverpool are the best team in the world at the moment – but reminded fans that Salzburg beat Napoli in the Europa League last term, the same Napoli that beat Liverpool 2-0. He also stated he is not scared of Virgil van Dijk.

“It’ll be a tough game at Anfield, but they’re only human, so nothing is impossible. We have to be honest and say, ‘Liverpool are the world’s best team, as they won the Champions League,’ but Napoli are good and we beat them last year,” Haaland said.

“I don’t think you can train to play against him [van Dijk], but you can train on things that can maybe trick him or set him out of position. We all have to be at our best ever, every player, to have a chance against this team.”

TBR’s view – Haaland can use Liverpool clash as shop window

Europe’s biggest clubs will be licking their lips over teenager Haaland, after his unbelievable start to the 2019-20 campaign. No matter what level you are playing at, 17 goals in 10 games is sensational – Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo stats.

Manchester United have been linked, as have many other European sides. If Haaland can shine on the Champions League stage, against the world’s best defender and the world’s best team, then he will only entice clubs more.

It is the perfect shop window for Haaland.