Liverpool host Bayer Leverkusen within the Champions League on Tuesday evening as Xabi Alonso returns to Anfield for the primary time as head coach. It’s the battle of two unbeaten groups with Arne Slot’s taking most factors from the primary three video games whereas Bayer gained towards Feyenoord and Milan earlier than being held to a 1-1 draw towards Stade Brest.
Within the conflict of the 2 giants, we’ve picked out three key battles to look at.
Virgil van Dijk vs Victor Boniface
Victor Boniface scored 21 and created 10 in 34 video games throughout all competitions in his maiden season as a Bayer Leverkusen participant and he’s already off the mark this season with 9 purpose contributions (eight targets and one help) in 13 video games. However towards Liverpool, he’s arising towards the very best present central defenders in soccer in Virgil van Dijk. Within the Premier League, as famous by WhoScored, the Dutchman has the fewest instances dribbled previous per 90 amongst defenders (0.10) this season. He’s additionally gained 37 aerial battles this season in England, probably the most of any defender, three greater than Newcastle United’s Dan Burn.
However as we all know, Boniface is a unique profile to these in England. Sturdy, fast and agile, Boniface ranks within the 98th percentile for Non-Penalty Anticipated Objectives plus Assisted Objectives (0.85 per 90). The Nigerian additionally ranks highest for Pictures Complete per 90 amongst Europe’s prime 5 leagues (5.45), and can absolutely get numerous pictures off in direction of Caoimhin Kelleher’s purpose.
Jeremie Frimpong vs Cody Gakpo
With the harm to Nordi Mukiele, Jeremie Frimpong will discover himself in a defensive function at Anfield, countering Cody Gakpo, with Martin Terrier coming into the road up the place that the Dutchman would often occupy. Not as efficient defensively, Frimpong’s tempo shall be vital given he shall be up towards his compatriot, or Mohamed Salah, however his defensive positioning may show problematic for Leverkusen.
Gakpo has 5 targets and two assists in 15 video games for Liverpool this season and though not as prolific as Salah, will nonetheless show a menace towards a Leverkusen staff that has saved simply three clear sheets within the Bundesliga and Champions League this season (Stuttgart, Feyenoord and Milan)
Dominik Szoboszlai vs Robert Andrich
Dominik Szoboszlai is a participant whom Bayer Leverkusen will know nicely from his time at RB Leipzig, however the Hungarian has developed his sport immensely during the last 18 months and is establishing himself as a key participant for Liverpool. Throughout Europe’s High 5 leagues and European competitions during the last 12 months, the 24-year-old ranks within the 97th percentile for touches within the attacking penalty space (3.31) and averages 3.97 Shot-Creating Actions per 90.
It will likely be Robert Andrich’s activity to maintain Szoboszlai, and the Germany worldwide was not solely integral for his nationwide staff alongside Toni Kroos, however was one in all Bayer’s key gamers final season as they went unbeaten within the Bundesliga, clinching their maiden title whereas additionally serving to his aspect to the Europa League closing, shedding to Atalanta within the closing.
