Liverpool: This is the alternative back four we want against Porto
By David Gate
Center Back: Joel Matip
The ‘second’ center back position has been the most rotated in the whole team over the last few months. There is no doubt that Virgil van Dijk is the best defender and the first choice center half. However Klopp has not settled on a permanent partner for the big Dutchman.
Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren have been sharing the role equally; one game in, one game out. Much depends on the perceived threat of the opposition. Matip has played more against the defensive teams who surrender possession as the better ball player of the two.
Lovren has played against the sides who are more physical and want to play more long balls; creating an aerial dominate duo with van Dijk. The Croatian started in the first leg in Portugal and was outstanding.
Though with one eye on the Manchester United game I think Klopp plumps for Matip in this game for the right sided center back. I am certain Lovren will start in this spot at Old Trafford as Klopp attempts to neutralize the physical threat of Romelu Lukaku.
The real question on Tuesday is whether or not Klopp rest van Dijk as well and goes for either Lovren or Ragnar Klavan next to Matip…