Former Liverpool midfielder Michael Thomas has spoken exclusively to CaughtOffside ahead of this evening’s big game between the Reds and Real Madrid in the Champions League final.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are chasing a treble, with European success to add to their FA Cup and Carabao Cup final victories already this season.
Real Madrid, however, have great experience in this competition, with their manager Carlo Ancelotti also winning the trophy three times in his career so far.
It’s a very close one to call, but Thomas believes that Real’s attacking full-backs could leave them exposed to the pace and quality of the Liverpool front three, with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Luis Diaz able to expose them like Kylian Mbappe did earlier in the competition.
“I would probably go Diaz on the left Salah on the right and Mane through the middle,” Thomas told CaughtOffside. “Madrid like their full backs to play high and both Liverpool wingers can cause a huge problem for them getting in behind as Mbappe did. Mane will come deep and pick up the ball but also possesses the quality to run in behind and be a real threat going direct.
How will Liverpool line up against Real Madrid in the Champions League final?
“Alternatively you could put Mane on the left and Jota through the middle as he is excellent at running in behind and sniffing out chances. Liverpool must attack the full backs.”
Liverpool have some injury concerns going into the game, but Thomas thinks Thiago Alcantara has to play if he’s fit enough.
“I am really hoping Thiago will be fit. What he brings to the midfield is priceless,” Thomas said. “He keeps the midfield ticking over with quality ball retention and his probing passes are an enormous threat for any team.
“If he is not fit I think you will see Liverpool put out a more tenacious midfield three in; Fabinho, Henderson and Keita. All three will get about and cause the Real Madrid midfield a massive headache in them attempting to…
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