Liverpool travel to Borussia Dortmund tonight for an intriguing Europa League quarter-final clash with the German giants, where the main talking point for the game will be Jurgen Klopp’s return to the club where he became an icon.
Klopp took charge of an underperforming Dortmund side and made them into a European powerhouse, as they destroyed Bayern Munich’s grip on German football and even managed to reach the 2013 Champions League final.
Now though, Klopp is in the early stages of his redevelopment of an underperforming Liverpool side and the fans will be hopeful he can lead the team to similar success that he enjoyed in Germany. The Reds aspire to be in the Champions League and, with a top-four Premier League finish looking out of their reach, winning the Europa League is their passage to Europe’s elite competition.
It won’t be easy to overcome Dortmund though, who have been reinvigorated under Thomas Tuchel, so Klopp’s team selection must be spot on.
Hit Klopp below to see the XI he must field tonight to beat Dortmund!
[ffc-gallery]
[/ffc-gallery]
GK: Simon Mignolet
Probably not the goalkeeper Liverpool fans would like between the sticks but the Belgian international is the best they currently have. To be fair, he is an able stopper on his day and Jurgen Klopp has openly supported him in the press.
Mignolet will have to be on top-form against the astonishing attack that Dortmund possess, notably Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Marco Reus, and it’s unlikely he will keep a clean sheet across the full 180 minutes in this tie.
RB: Nathaniel Clyne
Nathaniel Clyne has certainly been a decent purchase by Liverpool and he’s on course to be England’s starting right-back at the European Championships. Unfortunately for him, he has been associated with Liverpool’s leaky defence this term.
Clyne is more than capable at the back though and is equally useful going forward. Down the right Liverpool could find some joy, with Clyne pushing forward to support the attacking players Jurgen Klopp selects.
CB: Dejan Lovren
A player that has been revitalised by Jurgen Klopp, Dejan Lovren is starting to show why Liverpool paid the money they did for his services. However, it’s now crunch time for Lovren to perform as Joel Matip is already secured for the summer and more may follow.
At this time, it’s going to be a battle between Dejan Lovren and Mamadou Sakho for the other first-team spot alongside Matip. Against an extremely talented Dortmund side, it provides Lovren to display the very best of his abilities.
CB: Mamadou Sakho
The French international has been rather inconsistent this season and, like Lovren, he has to prove himself as a first-team regular. For Sakho there’s more to compete for though, as he battles the likes of Laurent Koscielny and Raphael Varane for a starting spot in the European Championships.
Liverpool’s defence will be tested and Sakho will have his work cut-out against Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. He has the strength and aerial attributes to shine though, so the Reds should be optimistic.
LB: Alberto Moreno
The left-back has been a stand-out performer in Liverpool’s troublesome season and he looks like the sort of man Jurgen Klopp will connect with. His determination to win the ball back will appeal to the German, whilst he’s very capable going forward.
Coming up against Marco Reus could be difficult though so Moreno will have to remain on his toes. Whilst he is effective going forward, he’ll need to be careful that he isn’t caught out by Dortmund’s pacy attackers on the counter.
CM: Emre Can
The German international is a vastly underrated asset within Liverpool’s squad and the Reds have benefitted by having a ready-made Klopp player within their ranks. His gritty midfield approach will be crucial tonight.
Capable of winning the ball back and distributing it to make attacks accordingly, Can cannot afford to get carried away this evening. His main focus has to be defending and breaking down Dortmund’s attacks, as the Reds cannot afford to lose the midfield battle.
CM: Jordan Henderson
The leader of Liverpool, Jordan Henderson’s involvement in this match must mimic that of his central midfield partner Emre Can. They may not make the headlines but, if they succeed in winning the midfield battle, Liverpool will have a much better chance of progressing from this difficult tie.
It’s also the chance for Henderson to prove himself on the big stage ahead of the European Championships, as he’s fallen out of favour slightly in the England set-up and is no longer a guaranteed starter for his national side.
RW: Adam Lallana
By far the weakest of Liverpool’s attacking quartet for tonight’s game, Adam Lallana is still capable of coming up with a match-winning moment. However, he must be prepared to sacrifice attacking tonight to help Nathaniel Clyne when required.
Lallana will have to move the ball quickly to break down Dortmund’s defence and his delivery into the centre must be pinpoint. If Liverpool are to strengthen their attacking options this summer, then Lallana is also playing for his future.
CAM: Roberto Firmino
After a slow start to life at Anfield, Roberto Firmino has burst into life since Jurgen Klopp took charge. Following his time with Hoffenheim, Dortmund will know very well what he’s capable of and he’ll be a crucial player tonight.
The Brazilian will be looked upon as a potential match winner and will be required to dictate the attacking play. Chances against an organised Dortmund defence may be few and far between, so he must take them as they come.
LW: Philippe Coutinho
Shifted to the left, Philippe Coutinho will be one of the big players on this occasion and he really needs to step-up after what’s been a largely lacklustre season. The Brazilian wants to be one of the best, so he has to start playing like one.
Tonight’s match could well be decided by two of the finest wide players in the game, Coutinho and Marco Reus, so Liverpool will be looking at their star for a showcase of magic. However, like Lallana, he must not leave Alberto Moreno open.
ST: Daniel Sturridge
It’s crunch time for Daniel Sturridge as he looks to assure himself of a long-term future at Anfield and establish himself as an England regular once again. After numerous injury problems, this is a major period in the striker’s career.
There is no doubting his ability but Sturridge’s injury record speaks for itself and he cannot afford to have any further issues. Tonight though, his aim will be to get a valuable away goal and if Liverpool don’t get that, it could be decisive in this two-legged tie.
