Real Madrid defender, Antonio Rudiger, has stated that only Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and Arsenal’s William Saliba have the ability to stop Erling Haaland, according to Daily Post
Haaland, who has already scored 10 goals in the Premier League this season, has an astonishing record of 101 goals in 107 games for Manchester City.
Antonio Rudiger, having faced Haaland four times, admits he finds it tough dealing with the Norwegian striker. Despite his own struggles,
Antonio Rudiger expressed admiration for how Van Dijk and Saliba have successfully managed to contain the goal-scoring machine in their matches.
Pay Attention: Get the best tips from our Bet of the Day
Antonio Rudiger Said Only Van Dijk & Saliba can stop Haaland
“I think I’m more of an old-school defender who loves this battle with strikers, especially with strikers like him [Haaland] because that guy is an absolute beast,” Rudiger said on The Inside Scoop.
‘I don’t know what he eats or what he does, but he’s… wow, the power he has.
“When I see his goals, if you put a cross high at the second post you can’t beat him. You cannot beat him. If he wants, you’re under him every day.
“He’s a beast, it’s crazy. Yes, he didn’t score against us [Real Madrid] and stuff like this but he hit the crossbar, there was luck on our side.
“How do I prepare for this type of player, it’s hard to prepare because you just have to be ready for the physical battle.
“You just have to be ready for this and try not give him too much space in your back because he’s dangerous. If you run with him, it can be tough because when he puts his arm out.
“There’s rarely people who can physically match him. The ones I’ve seen in the last couple of years is Virgil [Van Dijk], who is the same size as him, that’s a good match up, and I have to say Saliba also did very well.”
