Haaland praises Ruben Dias as Manchester City captain before Liverpool clash

Erling Haaland says he is delighted to see Ruben Dias take over as Manchester City captain and describes himself as the Portuguese defender’s deputy.

Manchester City travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Sunday in the sixth round of the English league season, with Pep Guardiola’s side currently top of the table.

“Ruben Dias is our captain now, and I am extremely happy for him because he is a great leader,” Haaland told Sky Sports.

The Norway striker added that he was unsure which title best described his role within the leadership group.

“I am the assistant, or vice-captain, or deputy captain – I don’t know what the correct name for the position is,” he said.

Haaland said the players worked well together and that leadership was not limited to the person wearing the armband.

“We work really well together,” he said. “It is about everyone naturally being a leader in their own way and trying to help the team win.”

He added: “Everyone is a leader in their own way, whether they wear the captain’s armband on their arm or not. You have to be yourself as a leader and try to help the team win.”

Haaland has made seven appearances for Manchester City this season and has scored seven goals.

Manchester City have won all five of their league matches so far and lead the table with 15 points. Their meeting with Liverpool will be their sixth league fixture of the campaign.