Liverpool vs AC Milan - 5 key battles to watch out for | UEFA Champions League 2021-22

Liverpool and AC Milan will renew their historic rivalry this season.
Liverpool and AC Milan will renew their historic rivalry this season.

In a rematch of the 2005 and 2007 finals, Liverpool will host AC Milan in a blockbuster Champions League clash at Anfield on Wednesday.

It will be the first meeting between the two sides since the Athens showpiece 14 years ago, where the Rossoneri avenged their disappointing Istanbul collapse. It's a fixture soaked in history, with both sides boasting 13 Champions League titles between them.

That explains a plausible (and palpable) sense of excitement around this clash. Ahead of the mouth-watering kick-off, here's a look at five key battles to watch out for:


#5 Andrew Robertson (Liverpool) vs Davide Calabria (AC Milan)

The Liverpool star could be a huge menace from the left flank.
The Liverpool star could be a huge menace from the left flank.

One of the best Liverpool signings in recent times, Andrew Robertson has transformed into an unstoppable machine under Jurgen Klopp since arriving from Hull City in 2017.

Known for his infectious energy, stamina, work rate and crossing ability, the Scotsman has brought a new dimension to Liverpool's attack with his imperious offensive plays.

Robertson has been chipping away at the assist column at a frightening rate. Considering the same, Davide Calabria of AC Milan will have the Herculean task of dealing with the Liverpool full-back's fiery runs on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old Italian is a traditional full-back. He's more defence-oriented, and possesses excellent marking and positional awareness. Calabria times his tackles to perfection - all of which he must produce with elan at Anfield.


#4 Franck Kessie (AC Milan) vs Fabinho (Liverpool)

Much of AC Milan's attacking plays stem from Kessie.
Much of AC Milan's attacking plays stem from Kessie.

In midfield, two of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League and Serie A will lock horns in an enticing duel. The outcome of the same could have a significant impact on the outcome of the clash.

Robust, agile and proficient in winning the ball back, Fabinho is Liverpool's battering ram. He is key to breaking down opposition plays and providing stoic protective cover for the back four.

The Brazilian will have to muster every ounce of his defensive nous to stop Franck Kessie, though. Kessie has become the chief playmaker for AC Milan, and possesses a keen eye for goal, scoring 13 times last season.

While most of those strikes were penalties, Kessie possesses long-range shooting ability, and distributes the ball accurately. The strapping Ivorian is key to controlling AC Milan's tempo. So Robertson and Liverpool could have their task cut out.

#3 Zlatan Ibrahimovic (AC Milan) vs Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Van Dijk will have his hands full against Zlatan Ibrahimovic (in pic).
Van Dijk will have his hands full against Zlatan Ibrahimovic (in pic).

AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is almost 40, but he could pose a significant threat to Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk. The relentless Sweden international is still going strong and remains hungry for more goals, titles and individual honours.

He played a key role in helping the Rossoneri finish second in the Serie A last season. That was AC Milan's highest league finish in almost a decade, with Ibrahimovic scoring 15 times from just 19 appearances.

Likely to start against Liverpool on Wednesday, Ibrahimovic could be a huge threat inside the box, both aerially and from open play, given his devastating finishing skills.

Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool's main man in defence, will have the all-important task of keeping the striker quiet. Van Dijk is renowned for his exceptional marking and blocking ability, attributes he'll have to bring to the table against his Swedish counterpart.


#2 Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) vs Theo Hernandez (AC Milan)

Trent Alexander-Arnold has returned to his marauding best this season.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has returned to his marauding best this season.

Another enticing duel on the day will see Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold go head-to-head with AC Milan's Theo Hernandez on the flanks. While one is considered a Premier League star, the other has been one of Serie A's best full-backs in recent seasons.

Both share similar traits too. They bomb down the flanks, lay excellent crosses, are set-piece specialists and have an eye for goal too, which means there could be fireworks galore when they lock horns on Wednesday.

Alexander-Arnold will have the job of driving forward to link up with Mohamed Salah in the attack. But he must keep an eye on Hernandez, as his penchant for forward runs might catch him out, leaving the Frenchman to capitalise on the vacant space.


#1 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) vs Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan)

Fikayo Tomori has had success going up against Mohamed Salah before.
Fikayo Tomori has had success going up against Mohamed Salah before.

Since returning to the Premier League in 2017, Mohamed Salah has delivered consistently for the Reds. With 128 goals in 207 games, the Egyptian has established himself among the deadliest forwards in the club's history.

Meanwhile, AC Milan's Fikayo Tomori certainly needs no reminder of the threat he poses. He has come up against Salah a few times before when he was a Chelsea player. In fact, the England international has even gone on record to say that Salah is one of the toughest opponents he has ever faced.

However, he would have fond memories of his duel with the Egyptian ace, keeping Salah at arm's length in a league defeat back in September 2019. A repeat of the same would be great for AC Milan's chances of returning from Anfield with a win.

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Edited by Bhargav