Issa Diop is relishing the challenge of trying to stop Liverpool’s multi-talented strike force.
The Reds will arrive at London Stadium on Monday evening boasting an attacking line-up featuring the Premier League’s leading scorer in 16-goal Mohamed Salah, Brazil star Roberto Firmino, Senegal livewire Sadio Mane, Swiss enigma Xherdan Shaqiri and England international Daniel Sturridge.
The quintet have combined to net 43 of Liverpool’s 55 Premier League goals so far this season and, whoever Jurgen Klopp selects to face West Ham United, Diop knows he will need to be at his very best to stop them.
We know Salah is a big player but, for me, I will prepare the same and play the game the same way
Issa Diop
“Liverpool are the biggest test in English football, along with Manchester City, as they have a very good team and one of the best strikers in the world in Mo Salah,” he observed. “So, we know that facing Liverpool on Monday will be a tough game, but we are playing at home, so we can can win this game with the fans behind us.
“As a player, I am excited by games like this, but I am also excited when we play against Southampton or Wolves. I am excited by every game!”
While Liverpool have scored in all but one of their 24 Premier League matches, the French defender is not intimidated by the prospect of slowing the hitherto rampant Reds.
Having already blanked Chelsea and Arsenal at London Stadium this season, the 21-year-old is looking to complete an impressive hat-trick by shutting out the leaders.
To do so, Diop will do his own homework with the target of getting the better of Salah and company on Monday night.
“I don’t think they are unstoppable,” he confirmed. “I’ll just play the game like any other one. We know Salah is a big player but, for me, I will prepare the same and play the game the same way.
“Before every game I watch clips of all the strikers I am going to face so we know what they like and don’t like, but a big player like him can do anything, so he is difficult to stop, but it is not impossible!”