Atletico Madrid vs Liverpool - Combined XI | UEFA Champions League 2021-22

Atletico Madrid and Liverpool served up a classic in their last encounter
Atletico Madrid and Liverpool served up a classic in their last encounter

In a clash of European heavyweights, Atletico Madrid and Liverpool square off at the Wanda Metropolitano on Tuesday for a UEFA Champions League game.

The sides meet for the first time since the Rojiblancos knocked the then-defending champions out in the last-16 of the 2019/20 season following a stunning 4-2 aggregate victory.

The Reds will, of course, have revenge on their minds as the sides now battle it out for top spot in Group B.

They currently lead Diego Simeone's charges by two points, having won both their games so far, but a loss in Madrid would hand the Spanish champions the initiative.

It hasn't been the most convincing start to their La Liga title defense, but Los Rojiblancos have picked up form lately.

They beat both Milan and Barcelona in back-to-back games before heading into the international break and now, had a weekend off too, owing to a postponement of their league fixture.

Either way, it promises to be an entertaining encounter, and ahead of the mouth-watering kick-off, let's see how Atletico and Liverpool stack up in a combined XI:


Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)

Oblak has a near 50% clean sheet record in Europe, including one against Liverpool
Oblak has a near 50% clean sheet record in Europe, including one against Liverpool

This was arguably the toughest position to choose from, as selecting one of Jan Oblak and Alisson is never an easy task.

Both goalkeepers are the best in their respective leagues and thoroughly valuable to their respective sides.

However, we've picked the Slovenian for our best XI purely on the basis of his consistency in the last seven years.

Unlike Alisson, or any other goalkeeper for that matter, Oblak never has a bad game. It's a well-established fact.

He's always in top form, stepping up to the plate for Atletico Madrid week in, week out, showing outstanding positioning, composure, work-rate and leadership in their defense.

His record for the club is beyond spectacular - Oblak has kept 163 clean sheets in 313 games for them in all competitions.

The 28-year-old will face the toughest examination of his skills so far this season against free-scoring Liverpool.

Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

Alexander-Arnold was kept quiet by Atletico last time - can he bring up something special this time?
Alexander-Arnold was kept quiet by Atletico last time - can he bring up something special this time?

Liverpool will be boosted by the return of their talismanic right-back, who's made a difference for them in big games like this on so many occasions.

Widely considered among the best-ever full-backs in the Premier League, the 23-year-old's crossing ability is second to none. He can switch play instantly and creates numerous chances for his teammates.


Centre-back: Joel Matip (Liverpool)

Matip has been a rock at the back for Liverpool
Matip has been a rock at the back for Liverpool

After back-to-back seasons riddled with injuries, Joel Matip has returned to his best form again. He's duly repaid the faith Jurgen Klopp has shown in him following a centre-back rotation and looks set to keep Joe Gomez on the sidelines for now

He's forged a stoic partnership with Virgil van Dijk at the heart of defense. Combining vision, strength and awareness, the Cameroonian has played a big role in their side having the best defensive record in the league.


Centre-back: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Van Dijk has scores to settle with Atletico
Van Dijk has scores to settle with Atletico

The big Dutchman, who also missed a chunk of last season with a horrific knee injury, has made an incredible recovery. He's returned to the side like he's never left, coming up big in all his appearances this season.

Known for his strength, leadership and uncanny aerial ability, Van Dijk is widely hailed as the best centre-back in the world. However, his reputation will be put to the test on Tuesday.


Left-back: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)

Robertson will be crucial to creating chances for Liverpool from the left
Robertson will be crucial to creating chances for Liverpool from the left

Completing our all-Liverpool defense is Scottish ace Andrew Robertson, who's brought a new dimension to the side's attack on the left. He and Alexander-Arnold's partnership is arguably the best full-back pairing in the world.

The former Hull City defender is blessed with electric pace and incredible energy, whilst possessing a crossing ability that's just as good as his full-back friend.

Central midfielder: Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)

Henderson's leadership will be vital to Liverpool's fortunes
Henderson's leadership will be vital to Liverpool's fortunes

Jordan Henderson is more than Liverpool's captain. He's their midfield talisman, key to dictating their play whilst also important at regaining possession and shielding the back-four.

As he demonstrated against AC Milan in their opening Champions League match of the season, the 31-year-old possesses a keen eye for goal too and can be a huge threat in the air from set-pieces.


Central midfielder: Koke (Atletico Madrid)

If Koke wins midfield battle, Liverpool ain't going home with anything
If Koke wins midfield battle, Liverpool ain't going home with anything

As far as underrated midfielders are concerned, Koke is right up there at the very top of the list.

He's been an impeccable presence in midfield for Atletico Madrid for several years and his experience will be crucial in getting one over this in-form Liverpool side again.

He's incredibly versatile, capable of playing across various positions in midfield, while also possessing an expansive passing range, which Koke often uses to create goalscoring opportunities.

Right winger: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Salah is currently in the form of his life
Salah is currently in the form of his life

There's no player better in current form than Mohamed Salah, who's taken apart every defense in his way. Having scored in each of his last eight games for Liverpool, he's simply unstoppable at the moment.

It's a real travesty that the Egyptian ace is not even mentioned in the Ballon d'Or race, because when you consider only the individual performances, Salah has been a cut above the rest.


Attacking midfielder: Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)

Firmino has found his goalscoring best lately
Firmino has found his goalscoring best lately

He was a natural striker but Roberto Firmino's role at Liverpool has transformed into more of a supporting one for Salah and Mane; a number 10. So we've put him in that role here too.

Either way, the Brazilian was also undroppable in his current form. He scored twice against Porto in the Champions League last month and is now coming off the back of a stunning hat-trick against Watford.


Left winger: Sadio Mane (Liverpool)

Mane is currently on a goalscoring tear
Mane is currently on a goalscoring tear

Following a slump in form last season, Sadio Mane has returned to his best in the current campaign. He's netted six times in 10 games across all competitions, including one in each of his last three games.

The Senegalese ace combines electric speed with mazy runs to get onto the end of crosses and, as we've come to know already, possesses devastating finishing skills.


Striker: Luis Suarez (Atletico Madrid)

Suarez has five goals in 10 games for Atletico this season
Suarez has five goals in 10 games for Atletico this season

Luis Suarez needs no added incentive while going up against his old club.

He was on target against them when he faced the Reds for Barcelona two and a half years ago. But his Anfield return was one to forget as Jurgen Klopp's side pulled off a historic 4-0 comeback.

El Pistolero will be eager to erase those memories with another strike on Tuesday.

While his international break was miserable, Suarez's club form holds him in good stead, having scored five times in 10 games, including one in the Champions League against AC Milan.

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