Despite enduring a domestic shake that has seen them drop out of the Premier League title race and now see them scrapped for the top four, Liverpool have a chance to go far in the Champions League.
They face the revitalizing Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final on Wednesday, with the Spanish giants back in the La Liga title race after a disappointing first half of the season.
With the away leg first, it should be up to Real to take it to Liverpool. Here’s how the Reds were able to line up to leave Spain with an advantage from the first stage.
Highlight of the first half – Alisson’s mustache. pic.twitter.com/vtLgetB7Ns
– 90min (@ 90min_Football) April 3, 2021
Alisson (GK) – Seems to have recovered from a bad form. Even more important, however, is that he now wears one of the finest mustaches in the world.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB) – Being left out of the England squad has been a blessing for Liverpool fans, with Alexander-Arnold as the darling to go after two weeks off.
Nathaniel Phillips (CB) – The first step may have been to put Fabinho back in a deeper role for such a big tie, but Phillips has been solid too late and was once again impressive against Arsenal in a 2-0 victory this weekend.
Ozan Kabak (CB) – The 20-year-old has gone from strength to strength since signing in January and is starting to look like a real talent now that he has had a number of games on the side. Four starts, four clean sheets.
Andy Robertson (LB) – If it’s not Alexander-Arnold who hits a ball over the box, Andy Robertson does it from the other flank.
brilliant today, friends !!! #YNWA @LFC pic.twitter.com/cwmyThC1Pk
– Thiago Alcantara (@ Thiago6) April 3, 2021
Fabinho (DM) – The Brazilian retains a more common midfield role and preferably with the star power and creativity that Real possesses in the same area.
Georginio Wijnaldum (CM) – The Dutchman has an important role to play for Liverpool despite his future in doubt. His work from box to box will be crucial to winning the battles in the middle.
Thiago Alcantara (CM) – It’s time for Liverpool’s summer acquisition to increase their game and make a Champions League caliber performance on the big stage.
Jota flyger | Catherine Ivill / Getty Images
Mohamed Salah (RW) – Salah struck twice over two legs in his 16s and is the key to all the good Liverpool can put together in attack. Without Sergio Ramos for Real, Egypt have a huge night job ahead of them.
Diogo Jota (ST) – A big call to disrupt the usual front three, but Jota is simply too good to leave out right now. Two goals from the bench against Arsenal, he deserves the chance to shine in the Champions League.
Sadio Mane (LW) – Liverpool’s only goal scorer in their final defeat in the Champions League 2018 retains its place on the left flank.
