Liverpool will play Ajax for the first time in 54 years this autumn after being drawn against the Dutch giants in Champions League Group D.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp will also have to mastermind tricky fixtures against Italy’s surprise package Atalanta and Denmark’s ‘moneyball’ outfit FC Midtjylland.
The last time Liverpool played Ajax in a competitive fixture was back in December 1966, when Johan Cruyff stole the show to dump the Reds out of the European Cup second round.
Fast-forward half a century and Ajax maybe aren’t the European powerhouse they once were, but can still mix it with the best. Manager Erik ten Hag led this team to the Europa League final in 2017 and they were battling with AZ for the Eredivisie title back in March before the season was cancelled.
With three wins from three already this term, Ajax head into the Champions League high on confidence. Netherlands international Quincy Promes could cause Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson issues.
Atalanta more dangerous than Ajax?
The surprise team in Serie A over the past few seasons is certainly Atalanta, who have filled the vacuum left by the likes of Milan, Lazio and Roma to claim top-four finishes in three of the past four years.
Manager Gian Piero Gasperini took over with the team languishing in mid-table back in 2016, but has since spent wisely to progress up the ladder.
Star man Josip Ilicic scored seven goals for the Italian side in Europe last season as they reached the Champions League quarter-finals. They are arguably more dangerous than Ajax and Liverpool may not enjoy the trip to Bergamo this autumn.
Danish title holders FC Midtjylland are making their first appearance in the Champions League and for boss Brian Priske it is a fine reward after a stellar first season in charge last term.
Midtjylland have had to battle through four qualification rounds to reach the group stage and beat Slavia Prague 4-1 in their playoff.
The Jutland side are famed for their ‘moneyball’ approach to transfers that have seen them able to compete with domestic rivals on bigger budgets. Club icon Pione Sisto returned from Celta Vigo in the summer after a long transfer saga and should be back up to speed by the time they face Liverpool.
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