EPL 2023/24: Virgil Van Dijk’s Masterclass Vs Erling Haaland – Tactical Analysis

Right after the end of the international break, the English Premier League had witnessed one of the most waited-for games every season between Pep Guardiolas Manchester City and Jürgen Klopps Liverpool, in which the home side is only one point ahead, leading the title race.

A draw in the Etihad Stadium was the end result.

However, the game had one of the finest battles between Erling Haaland and Virgil Van Dijk, as both are well known for being one of the best in their positions worldwide, if not the best.

So, in this Van Dijk tactical analysis, well provide an analysis of how Van Dijks intelligence and awareness limited Haalands threat during the Citizen box-attacking.

Haalands Movements Inside The Box

The Norwegian striker has a variety of moves inside the box while the ball is on either flanks or half-spaces; one of his most used ways of invading the box is through the back post.

In this example, during the Chelsea and Manchester City game, the ball is with Phil Foden, ready to play it widely for the overlapping Julián Álvarez.

Meanwhile, Haaland is moving towards the far post in the blind spot of the oppositions defender, Axel Disasi.

Álvarezs cross easily turned to the net by Haaland as Disasi couldnt anticipate the ball thanks to Erlings movement behind him.

And against Manchester United, we can see the same overload City has