Most-dominant attacking trio in Europe
The trio of Salah, Firmino and Mane is officially the highest scoring trio in Europe this year, with 85 goals so far this season.
Their quick-paced ‘heavy-metal’ play is almost too hot to handle for most other teams. To keep pace with such energy and movement requires an intense level of focus, skill and mental toughness from the opponents.
These three players are stronger together than they may be individually. They complement each other, they understand each other, they assist each other, and they revel in each other’s glory. While Salah has been the star, Firmino and Mane have laid the ground for him. They deserve as much credit as Salah for making Liverpool tick this season.
And this provides a challenge which Madrid haven’t faced in their last 3 finals. Both Atletico Madrid and Juventus are known for their defensive solidarity and to break on the counter. The challenge for Madrid in those finals was to break their defensive organization. The roles are reversed in this final. A lot will depend on Madrid’s ability to defend, especially in those first 30 minutes of ‘heavy-metal’ play from Liverpool.
While Madrid have a potent attack, and the best player in this competition in Ronaldo, but even he would not be able to save them if they go 3-0, 4-0 down in the first half.
Madrid’s defense has been shambolic multiple times this season. While Ramos and Varane have mostly got the job done, it’s the fullbacks who share the blame. Carvajal has been turned and Marcelo has been caught out of position multiple times; much has been made already of Klopp supposedly calling Marcelo’s forward play a defensive weakness for Madrid. The crosses still create utter commotion in the defensive third. And then there is Keylor Navas, who is not a stranger to brain fades at key moments.
For Madrid to win, they need to be rock solid at the back, with Ramos leading the line. If the defense and mid-field can hold it together, their attack is more than capable of destroying the Liverpool back-line.
Klopp and the strength of the collective
Klopp is known for a few things – supreme man management, ability to inspire, dynamic tactics, entertaining high-press play and building teams where the collective is stronger than the individuals.
He doesn’t necessarily buy / inherit superstars, but he nourishes and grooms talented players who turn into superstars. His teams play like men possessed. He did it with Borussia Dortmund, and he’s doing it with Liverpool now. His Dortmund team had knocked out Real Madrid in the semi-finals, and his Liverpool team is vying to do the same in the finals.
Conclusion
One thing is for sure though – this will be a high-energy, entertaining, attacking, high-scoring and possibly end-to-end match.
Both the Champions and the challengers seem to be full of belief. It’s unlikely that we will see the teams trying to grind out a win. Both teams have an attacking DNA, Liverpool more so. Real Madrid will need to channel all their experience, skill, self-belief and the sheer will to win to be able to beat this marauding Liverpool side.
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário