As these two heavyweights of European football meets expectations would not be far fetched as Liverpool travels to Madrid full of confidence.
This is due to their 0-1 away win against the Canaries as Sadio Mane fired time into the lead at the Carrow Road.
Valencia held Athletico Madrid 2-2 but Madrid were playing away from home. Despite the fact that Diego Costa and Joao Felix are unavailable for this tie, Diego Simeone and his side have got the ammunition to haunt Liverpool at home.
As this match looms earnest in Madrid, we evaluate three exemplary Athletico Madrid players Liverpool should be way ahead of this UEFA Champions League First leg tie.
Saul Niguez
The Spanish international is a special player to look forward to ahead of this fixture. His talent would be a handful for the Anfield side. He was one of the Athletico stars along with French player Antoin Greizmann that ensured they defeated Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
That experience and achievement would generate the required confidence for a top performance against Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
If he performs in this game, then Athletico has got a chance to progress at the expense of the European Champions.
Thomas Partey
The Ghanaian midfield player has got the athletism to rumple Liverpool midfield organization as we expect to see in this clash. The likes of Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum must be up to the challenge as the Reds take the trip to Spain to face Athletico Madrid.
Partey has got the tactical awareness in midfield while also having the quality to make the most of the ball at his feet.
Liverpool must keep an eye on the African even as starting Naby Keita may ensure Liverpool win the African battle in the middle of the pitch.
Alvaro Morata
The Spanish forward is one of the reasons for optimism ahead of this match with Liverpool. He’s returned against Valencia at the weekend following his side 2-2 at the Estadio de Mestalla. He’s got the aerial threat to worry Liverpool’s defense even as he renews rivalry with Liverpool star defender Virgil Van Dijk.
His ability to be at the right place at the right time can unsettle Joe Gomez in the central area while providing options for his team to get the ball forward in transition.
