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Meet the players – Liverpool
One of Liverpool’s strengths is the depth of their squad, so Richard Godden of Calcio Italia magazine gives you a run down of the 18 players likely to be present in Athens
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GOALKEEPERS:
Pepe Reina – The 24-year-old goalkeeper has established himself as one of the best in the Premiership. Although his decision making can be erratic, his shot-stopping is excellent, while his uncanny ability to keep out penalties could prove key in a tight game.
Jerzy Dudek – The Polish custodian became an Anfield legend after his performance in the 2005 Final against Milan, but his best years are now behind him. Now aged 34, Dudek is unlikely to see action in Athens.
DEFENDERS:
Steve Finnan – After an impressive campaign, the Irish right-back will be looking to add a second Champions League winners’ medal to his collection. Arguably the Premiership’s most consistent right-back, Finnan will be hoping for a better night than the 2005 Final, when he came off injured at half-time.
Jamie Carrragher – A Liverpool legend, the 29-year-old has been the rock at the heart of the Reds’ defence since Rafa Benitez took charge. His never say die attitude to defending and excellent reading of the game make him indispensable. Self-confessed reader of Calcio Italia magazine, will that remain the case if Milan are triumphant?
Daniel Agger – The young Danish defender has been a revelation this term, proving to be the perfect partner for Carragher. Netted the Reds’ only goal in the semi-final against Chelsea, but Milan will take heart from the battering he took from Didier Drogba in the first leg.
John Arne Riise – Few players possess a shot as hard as the Norwegian left-back, who is known as much for his spectacular goals as he is for being a more than able defender. Nicknamed ‘Ginger’, Riise is looking to win his second Champions League winners’ medal.
Sami Hyypia – The giant Finnish centre-back had been a regular for Liverpool since joining in 1999, but lost his place this term to Agger. Age has caught up with him, as he is regularly out-sprinted in the Premiership.
Alvaro Arbeloa – After failing to make the grade at Real Madrid, the 24-year-old Spanish right-back moved to Deportivo La Coruna briefly before arriving at Anfield in January. Played a key role in their triumph over Barcelona and could be a surprise pick at left-back to do a job on Kaka.
MIDFIELDERS:
Steven Gerrard – Expected to play on the right-hand side of midfield, the Reds’ skipper is regarded as one of the world’s best players. There are few players with a better all-round game, while he regularly performs above himself in the biggest games. If the No 8 is on top of his game then there will be little Milan can do to stop him.
Javier Mascherano – The January signing from West Ham has settled into life on Merseyside perfectly, adding a touch of class to go along with his bite in the middle of the park. He may have struggled at times in the Premiership, but his game is perfectly suited to the Champions League. Olympic fans will also recall him marking Andrea Pirlo out of the game in the semi-finals of the 2004 Games in… Athens.
Xabi Alonso – There are few better passers in the world, while the Spanish international also hits a mean shot. A scorer in the 2005 Final, the 25-year-old will be hoping to repeat the trick this year – if he gets the nod. Recently benched more often than not in the big games, his place in the team is far from certain.
Harry Kewell – Looks set to be given a chance to exorcise the demons of 2005, when he limped out of the Final early on, thanks to Bolo Zenden’s lack of fitness. When on top of his game he is a handful for any defender, but days like those are fleeting. Likely to be one of the fresher players on the pitch, given that he only made his seasonal debut a few weeks ago.
Bolo Zenden – Experienced former Holland international is struggling to shake off injury in time to make it to Athens. Although he has lost some of his pace in recent years, his delivery from the left flank is usually spot on, while he is also more than able from dead-ball situations. Fairly solid too, meaning that he’d offer more support for his left-back than Kewell.
Jermaine Pennant – Just 12 months after getting relegated from the Premiership with Birmingham, Pennant could be playing in a European Cup Final. His form in his debut Anfield campaign has been patchy at best, but he has turned on the style in the big games – particularly against Chelsea. Would be a surprise starter, but his pin-point crossing would be appreciated by Peter Crouch.
STRIKERS:
Dirk Kuyt – Yet to net in Europe this term, but don’t let that deceive you – the Dutchman has had a key role to play for the Reds. His movement off the ball will keep Milan’s ageing rearguard on their toes, while his link-up play will be crucial. Is also a genuine threat in the air, adding another dimension to Liverpool’s attack.
Peter Crouch – Often laughed at due to his gangly figure, the England international has hit back at his critics with an impressive campaign in front of goal. In terms of goals per minute, he is almost as prolific as anyone in Europe, while his massive frame ensures that he is a constant threat in the air. But he is equally effective on the ground.
Craig Bellamy – Pacy Welsh striker whose bite doesn’t always match his bark. Has come up trumps on occasions, but his first term at Liverpool won’t be considered a success – unless he can come up with the goods in Athens. If used, as expected, from the bench then expect fireworks in the latter stage of the game. Will Milan’s OAP rearguard be able to keep up?
Robbie Fowler – The man Liverpool fans refer to as ‘God’, can Fowler end his Anfield career with the perfect parting gift? He already knows that this will be his last game in the famous red shirt and he will be keen just to play a part. Given his expertise from the penalty spot, he could prove crucial if there’s nothing separating the sides.
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