Five key player battles for Liverpool v Spurs in Champions League final

No.3 – Fabinho v Dele Alli

I am only 90% convinced that Jurgen Klopp starts Fabinho. I really hope he does but I know he’ll be tempted by the Wijnaldum/Henderson/Milner combo he’s used so many times before in big games.

A little heads up on that regard – that is the trio he picked in the game at Anfield in March.

But I believe Fabinho has done more than enough to warrant the manager’s trust and I hope Klopp will name the Brazilian in his starting lineup.

Because I think he will boss the life out of Dele Alli. The Englishman is the connection between midfield and attack in this team and the focal point quick counter attacks. If Liverpool shut down Alli they won’t have to worry about counters until they bring on Lucas Moura later in the game.

I find Alli a very hard player to rate. I tend to judge English players of rival clubs as overrated. I’m usually right but then can be a little surprised when they are actually good. Frank Lampard is a prime example of that mistake I’ve made before.

However his five goals and six assists in the major competitions is a huge decline from the 11 goals and 14 assists he contributed in 2017/18. Part of that is he is playing deeper due to the injuries in the Spurs squad and selling Moussa Dembele.

I fully expect Alli to be a non-factor in this game, especially if he has to get past Fabinho.