Phil Thompson believes Liverpool's defenders will enjoy coming up against Erling Haaland on Sunday, when the Reds face Manchester City at Anfield.
But the former Anfield captain admits that City's big Norwegian is an incredible talent who has been setting the standards since he arrived in the Premier League.
The two sides have become used to running neck and neck with each other for league titles over the past few years but Liverpool's slow start to the season has left them 13 points behind Pep Guardiola's team heading into the Sunday afternoon showdown, something that Thompson thinks could create a slightly different dynamic.
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Speaking about the prospect of facing Haaland on the Off The Ball podcast, Thompson said: “He's been phenomenal hasn't he, you just look at the guy. He’s been absolutely astonishing. And not playing the other night [in the Champions League] was nothing about him being tired or anything like that. I just think Pep had an ideal opportunity to give him a rest and keep him very, very sharp for the weekend. But he’s certainly brought something wonderful to the Premier League. Frightens the pants off every defender, but he’s terrific.
“I think it’s the kind [of challenge] you’ll revel in. I think the [Liverpool] players will really enjoy it: Van Dijk is a big strong lad. You look at the size of him and I’m in awe of him. But there’s a different context to this game because Liverpool and Man City would usually be riding high at the top of the league but this time City are up there with Arsenal and we’re languishing in tenth. I don't think Liverpool would fear anybody but it's just going to add something different to this game at Anfield.”
Jurgen Klopp's side has only won two of their first eight Premier League matches and went down 3-2 to Arsenal in their most recent domestic outing. Centre-back Virgil van Dijk has not escaped criticism during the Reds' under-par start to the campaign, but Thompson thinks he has been in good company in that respect, with few players emerging with any credit.
Thompson added: "It’s not only big Virgil, it's everybody. Before I came on [the podcast] I was thinking ‘who can I say that’s been a positive this season?’ and there's not been too many: Thiago, although he’s had an injury, Bobby Firmino has been good, there's not too many more that have hit anywhere near their best.
"Having said that, Alisson has been exceptional in goal - he's had to be because we look so vulnerable at the moment - particularly in that second half against Arsenal [which] was absolutely awful. But the result against Rangers, particularly the second half, was a lot better.
"I just think its a lack of confidence all round. There’s been Trent [Alexander-Arnold], we've seen [Joel] Matip having a struggle, Virgil’s having a struggle, Robbo [Andy Robertson] has been injured at left-back so that normal function has not really been there. Virgil’s certainly not been the player that he has been and I just think it's confidence. When you start thinking about it you think too in-depth and I don't think you do things naturally."
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