As Liverpool prepare to face Real Madrid in the 1st leg of the Champions League Round of 16 clash on Tuesday, we have analysed the 3 ways in which they could affect last season’s winners of the competition.
While the contest is seen as a mismatch, Jurgen Klopp’s side could cause Carlo Ancelotti’s men a headache by capitalising on the visitors’ weaknesses at Anfield.
Liverpool duo Robertson and Nunez targeting Carvajal
One of the 3 ways in which Liverpool could cause Real Madrid a headache is by Andy Robertson and Darwin Nunez targeting Dani Carvajal.
The Spanish international’s athleticism has endured a steep decline this season and defensively, he has struggled one too many times in 1v1 situations.
Considering Nunez is not renowned for his dribbling ability, he could cause Carvajal problems with his darting runs in behind for starters, Pertinently, Robertson could also fizz in a pass beyond Carvajal for the Uruguayan to chase, much like was the case in the side’s 2-1 win against Tottenham, where the duo used this tactic to make life hell for Eric Dier.
Much like how the Scot and Sadio Mane’s brilliant one-twos when doubling up on any right-back would be a constant threat, tapping into this very dynamic but with Nunez could be a major problem for Carvajal, and one of the 3 ways in which Liverpool could trouble Real Madrid.
Salah vs Mendy could be a bloodbath
Ferland Mendy has perhaps been Los Blancos’ biggest weak link this season and now he comes up against Mohamed Salah, who seems to be returning to form in recent weeks.
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The Frenchman, much like Dani Carvajal has not covered himself in glory defensively and unlike Nunez, Salah is a threat 1v1 and could cause him a nightmare down Los Merengues’ left flank. Furthermore, the Egyptian’s propensity to drift in central spaces could drag Mendy out of position and also give Trent Alexander-Arnold acres of space to fizz in his trademark pinpoint crosses.
With Mohamed Salah being an expert at finding space inside the box to put the ball in the back of the net as well, Ferland Mendy will have a task and a half on his hands to tame the prolific wideman, which is one out of the 3 which in which Liverpool could perhaps even emerge victorious against Real Madrid.
Gakpo doing a Firmino against a Real Madrid side minus Tchouameni
The Athletic had confirmed that Aurelien Tchouameni is set to be unavailable for the trip to Merseyside.
That is brilliant news for Liverpool, who have gained a major boost in their chances to beat Real Madrid and one of the 3 ways in which they could do so is by Cody Gakpo doing his best Roberto Firmino impression.
We have previously highlighted the fact that the Dutchman has shown signs of thriving in deeper positions, in the same vein as the Brazilian false 9 and with Aurelien Tchouameni unavailable, the opposition midfield could end up following him and leave plenty of space in behind them.
Gakpo’s upper body strength could smart link-up play could create a number of opportunities in transition for the hosts, who remain deadly in such situations, especially backed by the Kop on a vintage European night at Anfield.
In other news, Graham Roberts names the Tottenham ace who was ‘superb’ v West Ham
