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

By Wilko Martinez Cachero

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)
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: Edin Dzeko of AS Roma during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg Two between AS Roma and FC Barcelona at Stadio Olimpico on April 10, 2018 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 10: Edin Dzeko of AS Roma during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg Two between AS Roma and FC Barcelona at Stadio Olimpico on April 10, 2018 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

No.4: Edin Džeko

If there was ever an archetype of the striker Liverpool hates playing against, it’s Edin Džeko. The Bosnian is a big bruiser who’s a quality finisher and imposes himself aerially. He wins an average of 3 aerial duels per game, according to WhoScored, and will undoubtedly be a handful for Virgil van Dijk and, fitness permitting, Dejan Lovren.

The former Manchester City man is the ultimate target man, allowing pacy wingers and secondary strikers to play off him. Džeko can hold the ball up, play with his back to goal, and get runners involved. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s scored 21 goals this season, with six coming in the Champions League.

Liverpool’s defense has improved considerably in recent times, only conceding 5 goals in the past 10 games, but we have seen them get nervy when it really matters. Dejan Lovren in particular loses 1 out of 4 aerial duels per game in the Champions League. He will have to remain engaged and focused against Džeko.

He is the one man Liverpool will need to watch above all as he can create a goal out of almost any situation. Hopefully a couple of hectic Serie A games will sap his energy before we face them next week.

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