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#3 Marcel Sabitzer vs Thiago Alcântara
Midfield battles are the most crucial aspect of a game and the matchup between RB Leipzig and Liverpool could well be decided on this battle. Marcel Sabitzer is at the heart of Leipzig’s midfield. Sabitzer is one of the Bundesliga’s best in what he does and is a very talented player.
The 26-year old's ability to put pressure on players across the pitch enables him to win back balls for Leipzig before the counter-attack begins. Sabitzer also has a killer set-piece technique and seldom misses from the spot.
Another midfield maestro who is having a rough season is Thiago Alcântara. The new Liverpool signing has massively under-performed this season and will look to find some form in this important clash.
Thiago will look to use his prior experience of playing against Leipzig during his Bundesliga days to good use. This will be an intense, high-energy midfield battle.
#2 Angeliño vs Trent Alexander-Arnold
The Spaniard originally arrived at the Red Bull Arena on a six-month loan from Manchester City in January 2020. And unlike most new-signings, Angelino hit the ground running from the word go. An all-round top-quality and consistent performer, Angeliño is Leipzig's player of the season so far.
Apart from his defensive quality, the 24-year old has also turned into a prolific goal-scorer. Angeliño is Leipzig's top scorer in the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League, which proves his threat in front of goal.
Against him on that same flank will be a Liverpool full-back who himself knows a thing or two about goal-scoring and assisting. Trent Alexander-Arnold has always been a key player for his side because of the style Liverpool play.
The young full-back had a tough start to the season but has found his attacking form in recent games. Both these full-backs will come across each other for most of the game and this battle may well determine the outcome of the game.
#1 Dayot Upamecano vs Mohamed Salah
Bayern Munich confirmed the signing of RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano just before this Round of 16 clash. Upamecano has been Leipzig's best defender for a while now and is a key player in that team. Given his talent and recent performances, it wasn't a surprise that every club in the world was after the 22-year old's signature.
Upamecano is a formidable figure in that Leipzig's back three but he combines it with remarkable acceleration and speed across the ground. The French defender will be taking up the challenging task of stopping Liverpool superstar Mo Salah from breaching Leipzig's defense.
Mohamed Salah has 17 goals in the league this season and has scored 3 in the UEFA Champions League. The Egyptian has promised Liverpool fans that the team will "fight like champions" to turn their dismal form around. He is always the talisman for that Liverpool side and will have to be at his best to get the better of Dayot Upamecano.
