Liverpool legend Phil Thompson has opened up on what Virgil van Dijk must do to stop Harry Kane from exposing the Reds on Sunday afternoon (4:30pm kick-off).
Jurgen Klopp’s men are hoping to retain their lead at the top of Premier League when Tottenham Hotspur travel to Anfield .
Manchester City can briefly return to the summit by defeating Fulham on Saturday afternoon, a result which would put the pressure back on Liverpool .
Spurs have been in poor form of late in the league but boast a talented squad and key match winners including England captain Harry Kane.
Kane is not only a goal threat having netted 17 times in the league this season, but he also has the ability to drop deep and create for others. Thompson, therefore, believes there are multiple aspects to the challenge of halting the 25-year-old’s influence.
“(A key battle) will be Harry Kane against Virgil van Dijk,” Thompson told Sky Sports . “Kane is a top striker – he is an original centre-forward but can drift off centre-backs and play the No.10 role just as well.
“Van Dijk will have to read the game and talk to his midfield players. It is a battle of strength as well as skill between those two.”
Thompson also highlighted the task which awaits Liverpool’s front three this weekend, with the former Red firm in the belief that Spurs’ style of play will suit the hosts.
Tottenham dealt major injury blow ahead of Liverpool trip with three key players ruled out
“A big key battle will be the strikers. It is not Mohamed Salah but Sadio Mane who is Liverpool's in-form striker at the moment, and if he can continue his hot streak then Tottenham will be in trouble,” Thompson added.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp admits to big Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain mistake as injury rehab continues
Tottenham will come at Liverpool as they need points for the Champions League. Mane, Salah and Roberto Firmino will have a bit more room if Tottenham come out and attack, which I think they will.”
