Liverpool: Five AS Roma players that the Reds will need to watch

ROME, ITALY - APRIL 10: Edin Dzeko of Roma (top) celebrates with team mates after the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Second Leg match between AS Roma and FC Barcelona at Stadio Olimpico on April 10, 2018 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

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ROME, ITALY – APRIL 10: Federico Fazio of AS Roma in action during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Second Leg match between AS Roma and FC Barcelona at Stadio Olimpico on April 10, 2018 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

No.2: Federico Fazio

On top of having a fantastic season so far, Kostas Manolas will get the plaudits for completing Roma’s comeback against Barcelona. That makes it easy to forget about Federico Fazio who, after a torrid time at Tottenham, has rediscovered his form for Roma.

He’s Eusebio Di Francesco’s most trusted center backs, having played the most minutes out of any central defender in both the Champions League and Serie A. The 31-year-old Argentine is an absolute man mountain, coming in at 6’5” and having won 77% of his aerial duels in the Champions League. He averages two interceptions and 3.6 clearances per game in continental competition.

Fazio is usually paired with Manolas, but as of late, he has played in a back three alongside the aforementioned Greek center back and Juan Jesus. It should be interesting to see what shape Di Francesco opts for against Liverpool, as he’s typically played with four at the back, but has been forced to go with three defenders recently.

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