Henderson’s midfield battle with Kroos totally vital to Liverpool chances…
Liverpool are underdogs for tonight’s Champions League clash with the tournament holders, but the Reds have a huge and illustrious European history from which to draw upon to pull off a brilliant shock result.
They’ll need to come out on top in these five battles if they’re to pull off the extraordinary, however…
Karim Benzema v Martin Skrtel
The brilliant French striker acts as the pivot for Los Blancos’ draw-dropping attack. He drops deep and enables an onrushing Cristiano Ronaldo space to play in, and has the ability to find positions in the box and finish chances himself, too. Benzema’s technically exceptional, which aids his practically unrivalled holdup play. At Skrtel’s best (which to be fair, we haven’t seen for a while), he is physically imposing, and can dominate a forward aerially. Versus Benzema, the Slovakian will need to time his interceptions and his tackles perfectly, as if he storms out of defence and finds himself out of position, the striker and his teammates will slice an already shaky defence apart.
Cristiano Ronaldo v Glen Johnson or Javier Manquillo
It’s unsure which right-back Liverpool will field at the Bernabeu, as neither Johnson nor Manquillo have managed to make the position their own this term. Johnson did relatively well at Anfield last time around, but Ronaldo still managed to get one-on-one with the Englishman on a number of occasions, much to the terror of the watching Liverpool crowd. Whoever gets the nod will need to defend bravely and intelligently – as reckless tackles and over-enthusiastic closing down will draw fouls, and enable the world’s best player to leave them for dead.
Toni Kroos v Jordan Henderson
Despite only arriving in the summer, Kroos is already a key Real Madrid component. He dictates tempo and controls possession, much like Xabi Alonso used to do for Real Madrid (and Liverpool, once upon a time…). Henderson is the only Liverpool player with the energy, thrust and dynamism to cause the World Cup winner problems. Our vice-captain’s been off the boil recently, but his endless pressing and determination can restrict the time of even the world’s most composed midfielders. Tonight could be a defining moment in Henderson’s season.
Pepe v Mario Balotelli
Balotelli, for all the dross that’s often been reported on him, has not started Liverpool life as well as he or we hoped. He is however, a big game player – and has proven that on occasions for Manchester City, AC Milan and the Italian national team. If he uses his unbelievable frame and strength to bully Pepe, the Portuguese is known to lose his temper. Balotelli hasn’t fought for lost causes this season, and doesn’t challenge for balls in the air – which seems implausible given his 6 ft. 2″ stature. He’ll need to do so this evening, as his ability to holdup the ball without many players around him may well be our best chance of keeping any proper possession.
Real Madrid v Simon Mignolet
When underdogs win, their goalkeepers usually put in amazing performances, and tonight would be no difference. With Ronaldo, Benzema, James and Isco (and Gareth Bale if he comes off the bench) all capable of scoring from near enough anywhere, Mignolet needs to put in the kind of performance that could rejuvenate a Liverpool career. His shot-stopping his excellent, and if he manages to command his area when crosses are delivered into the box – he could be the Liverpool hero in Spain.
