Erling Haaland sends Virgil van Dijk message after exchange with Liverpool teammate

Erling Haaland admits he has huge respect for Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, but cannot wait to go toe-to-toe with him on the pitch at Anfield on Sunday afternoon (3.45pm). Liverpool welcome Manchester City to Merseyside for a much-anticipated game which could have a huge say on where Premier League title ends up.

City got their hands on a historic treble last season and are gunning for their fourth top-flight crown in succession. However, the champions will not have it all their own way - with Liverpool and Arsenal also involved in an exciting three-way battle for domestic honours.

Heading into Sunday afternoon's showdown, Liverpool hold a one-point advantage at the summit with 11 matches remaining. Arsenal are one point further back.

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During the build-up, Haaland - who has plundered 18 goals from 22 appearances in the Premier League this season - has been particularly vocal with the City talisman responding to comments from Trent Alexander-Arnold with a dig centred on City's treble win. It came after Alexander-Arnold said that Liverpool's success across recent years 'means more' than the vast amount of trophies accumulated by Pep Guardiola's star-studded side.

Taking a slightly more complimentary stance, Haaland was asked about Liverpool captain van Dijk in his pre-match interview with TNT Sports. He said: "He's the main guy in Liverpool.

"I said it for many years that he's unreal. I heard he's a really nice guy, as well.

"He's a monster and I like to play against players like him, because then you really test yourself. What can I