Dunne urges defenders to 'be smarter' against Haaland

Richard Dunne says defenders should avoid getting into a physical battle with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.

The Norwegian colossus has been in supreme scoring form again this season, netting 13 times in 12 Premier League matches ahead of tomorrow's meeting with Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium.

Haaland's battle with Reds captain Virgil van Dijk will likely be key to the outcome — and ex-City defender Dunne believes the best way to nullify the centre forward's threat is to try and avoid one-on-one duels.

He told LiveScore: "Haaland is one of those players that everyone wants to prove themselves against.

"You want to get stuck into them, but probably the best way to play against him is to try and avoid physical contact and small battles, try and be smarter.

"If you get into a physical battle, the likelihood is you're going to lose. He is so strong and has that yard of pace. 

"Haaland's battle with Van Dijk is going to be really interesting. It may just be a straight war between them over who can get to the ball first." 

Dunne locked horns with a number of world-class strikers in his career and claims Chelsea icon Didier Drogba is the one who shares the most similarities with Haaland.

He added: "Drogba would have been the one from my era, he had the physicality and speed.

"Like Haaland at City, Drogba knew at Chelsea if he made the right moves, the ball would arrive to him."

Rodri's importance

But while Haaland gets the majority of the headlines thanks to his goals, Dunne says defensive midfielder Rodri is City's "most effective player" — and one he would love to have lined up alongside.

He said: "Haaland is the main man, Bernardo Silva is quite close in terms of you get pleasure out of watching them play. But the most effective City player is probably Rodri.

"He is an incredible player. He just seems to have everything for the No6 role, very similar to Sergio Busquets in the way he keeps the ball.

"But he's physically stronger than Busquets and seems to cover ground even better.

"Rodri is always available for the pass and always wants the ball, it would be an incredible opportunity to play with him.

"He's that good, you cannot just replace him. Pep needs to change the system if he is absent again.

"Liverpool perhaps lack a player like Rodri, someone who smells danger better than Alexis Mac Allister."

Super Szob

Despite them not possessing a Rodri-like figure, Dunne has been impressed with Liverpool's midfield this season — most notably summer signing Dominik Szoboszlai.

He added: "Szoboszlai has been absolutely brilliant.

"He's one of those players that people tune in to watch his energy and quality, plus he has the ability to score a cracker from distance.

"The one worry is whether he can maintain his intensity over the course of a whole season.

"But what an impact — and he's probably changed Liverpool's outlook on the campaign.

"Instead of just thinking about getting back in the Champions League, they're eyeing titles and that's thanks in part to Szoboszlai.

"He's given belief back to the fans, brought the best out of Van Dijk and given everyone that enthusiasm — which was perhaps missing last season."