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It is just a matter of days until the ball gets rolling for the final time this year in the UEFA Champions League. In extraordinary circumstances, both Liverpool and Tottenham overturned their first-leg deficits to reach the doorsteps at Wanda Metropolitano.
Mauricio Pochettino's side succumbed to a narrow 2-1 loss against Liverpool when they last faced them in the Premier League. It is to be noted that Moussa Sissoko missed a big 2 on 1 break in that game, and also, Liverpool won courtesy an own goal in the injury time. So we can put away all doubts of the clash being a one-sided affair.
Liverpool has no injury concerns with their star-studded frontline all good-to-go against Spurs. Spurs have received a nitro boost for the finals, as their Harry duo of Winks and Kane have received the medical green-light ahead of the finals.
With so many stars on both sides, let us have a look at the possible Man of the Match contenders.
#3 Jordan Henderson
The Liverpool captain has been absolutely terrific for Jurgen Klopp's men as of late. Ever since he has been turned into a box-to-box midfielder by Klopp, he has been among the scorers, providers, tacklers, everything.
His performance against Chelsea in the Premier League, against Bayern Munich in RO16, are both great examples of his abilities on both ends of the pitch. He might not be a technically gifted player but still, he doesn't happen to be a liability.
He covered all ends of the pitch at Anfield against Barcelona, played his part in the first goal, and also inspiring and lifting his team up from the ashes. Henderson's role will be absolutely crucial at Wanda against Tottenham, maybe a man-mark on Harry Kane will be burdened on his shoulders.
But this man has shown, that despite being Liverpool's ugly-duckling, he is capable of inspiring them to victories. The ugly duckling to shine at Wanda?
#2 Harry Kane
The comeback of Harry Kane is a major boost ahead of the finals for Tottenham. The Spurs team has managed without him, but life with him is much easier for Tottenham. The England captain limped off the pitch against Manchester City, missed the second-leg, and missed the semifinals.
Liverpool's solid defence is a tough nut to crack for any team and sometimes, crossing and lobbed balls towards a target #9 is the only relief against them. For that tactic to be employed, Tottenham needs Kane, who happens to be their best forward in aerial duels.
Virgil van Dijk is a great defender and the best this season, but should there be any chance to beat him, it is by Kane's constant plays on the shoulder of the defence. We saw how van Dijk's reading of the game is not his best quality, as Alba was able to find Suarez with ease in the first leg of the semis. That's how Kane and his teammates can try to beat the big Dutchman.
#1 Trent Alexander-Arnold
It is not very common that defenders are named as Man of the Matches, but for Liverpool, both their fullbacks will always be in the conversation, because they are the mischievous ones while attacking.
Liverpool's attacks are not only due to their coveted front three but also the bright talents that they have on their wings. Andy Robertson has been helping Sadio Mane all season and TAA has been racking up assists for fun from the right side.
Against Barcelona, the young Trent was on the absolute top of his game, pushing the defence behind with his constant presence in the forward regions. He troubled Jordi Alba more than he has been troubled the whole season. This kid has the capability to do that to Tottenham's compact defence which chooses its poison to be the wings.
Also, he has the edge ahead of Robertson particularly due to Trippier defending the right-hand side along with Sissoko which is problematic for the attackers. TAA, however, has to deal with Winks and Rose, most probably, which is easier to exploit compared to the other wing.
