Tottenham vs. Liverpool: Who has the edge at each position?

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 02: Jurgen Klopp, manager of Liverpool and Mauricio Pochettino Manager of Tottenham Hotspur look on during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on April 2, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 02: Jurgen Klopp, manager of Liverpool and Mauricio Pochettino Manager of Tottenham Hotspur look on during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on April 2, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 20: Harry Kane of Tottenham in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace at White Hart Lane on August 20, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 20: Harry Kane of Tottenham in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace at White Hart Lane on August 20, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

Striker

Clearly I expect to see Spurs revert back to their normal lone striker set-up against Liverpool. That means Harry Kane will lead the line against the Liverpool defense.

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On the other end of the pitch, Roberto Firmino will continue to serve as Jurgen Klopp’s first-choice centre forward. It may not be his ideal position, but it’s where he’s playing for now.

The Brazilian is a great leader for Klopp’s high-press, but Kane performs the role equally well for Spurs. Both men contribute tons defensively and should be praised for that aspect of their games.

Kane is just a better offensive striker than Firmino. He’s better at picking out pockets of space with clever movement, and he’s a more clinical finisher. It’s no slight at Firmino, but he just isn’t as good as Harry Kane.

Edge: Tottenham