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5 reasons why Liverpool will win this year’s Champions League final

By Shane McFarland

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Head coach Juergen Klopp of FC Liverpool and his players celebrate after the UEFA Champions League Semi Final second leg match between Liverpool and Barcelona at Anfield on May 7, 2019 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Head coach Juergen Klopp of FC Liverpool and his players celebrate after the UEFA Champions League Semi Final second leg match between Liverpool and Barcelona at Anfield on May 7, 2019 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 12: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield on May 12, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 12: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield on May 12, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

3. Liverpool’s defensive organization

If nothing else can be said about Liverpool during the 2018/19 campaign, it’s how incredibly sound they have been in the back-end. Lead by PFA Player of the Year, Virgil van Dijk, the Reds defense has been as stout as anyone in Europe this season, collecting 20+ clean sheets during league play.

Alongside van Dijk as well as the aforementioned full-backs Alexander-Arnold and Robertson are an unsung collective of centre backs, Dejan Lovren, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip, who when called upon have largely risen up to the occasion to perform well. Throw in the sensational performances of defensive midfielders Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, particularly in the second leg against Barcelona when the Brazilian picked up a quick yellow card in the first half, and you’re talking about a wonderfully complete unit.

All things considered though, Liverpool’s largest ace in the hole may be last off season’s signing of Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson who was bought in from AS Roma for more than 60 million euros. An almost unthinkable number for a keeper, Alisson has been worth his weight in gold for the Reds, replacing 2017/18’s Champion League goat Karius. With 3 of 4 PFA Team of the Year defenders in front of him, Alisson has provided a dependable and quality option for Klopp’s side.

Liverpool provide a different challenge for Spurs than they encountered in their semi-final comeback against Ajax, who at times in the second half of the second leg looked panicked and out of sorts. Liverpool will not waver in their defensive organization and will undoubtedly be more a daunting task for Spurs to overcome.

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