Salah will expose Marcelo weakness and lead Liverpool to victory
By David Gate
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is the perfect player to expose Real Madrid full back Marcelo in the Champions League final on Saturday.
There is a general consensus – at least as much that is possible – that Real Madrid defender Marcelo is the best left back in the world. It is a fair claim and hard to find many other contenders. Though Andrew Robertson might change that in the next 18 months.
What makes Marcelo great is that he operates as an additional creative outlet without compromising huge amounts defensively. He has the technical ability and creativity of player like countryman Willian of Chelsea yet from the left-sided defensive position. It is a huge offensive advantage.
More from Rush The Kop
- Set to return, Virgil Van Dijk facing heavy criticism back home
- Liverpool making late comebacks all the rage once again
- Wolves tilt gives Klopp opportunity to tinker with lineup following international duty
- Players to watch in the matchup with Wolves
- Predicting Liverpool’s Next Five Premier League Fixtures
The Brazilian has the pace and raw strength to cover his defensive abilities also. However he is not the most natural tackler or positionally aware. He uses those physical attributes to prevent himself from being a liability at the defensive position.
The trouble for him facing Liverpool is that will not be enough. The best player on the Reds squad – perhaps even the world this season – is Mohamed Salah; the Egyptian King.
The forward’s pace will expose any gap Marcelo leaves behind him. There will be no tracking back. It will be too late. Also Salah dribbles with exceptional technique and moves with real intelligence. If Marcelo is planning on attacking he will need cover from midfield.
Real Madrid don’t have a ‘Kante‘ type player to mop up after wandering full backs. Casemiro is the best they have but he no longer has the trust of Real manager Zinedine Zidane. And even if he starts, he won’t be able to handle Salah either.
Next: Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool signings ranked - all 32!
Robeto Firmino will be dragging Sergio Ramos all over the pitch. Sadio Mane facing their weakest player in Dani Carvajal. If Salah can exploit Marcelo’s weaknesses there will be a lot of joy for Liverpool’s front three on Saturday.