The battle between Vinicius Junior and Trent Alexander-Arnold could decide the fate of the Champions League final.
That is the verdict of Steve McManaman, who sees the tussle between two of world football’s most compelling young talents as crucial to the outcome of Saturday’s showpiece in Paris.
McManaman, of course, has distinguished himself for both Liverpool and Real. It was 21 years this week since his Champions League final goal against Valencia and back in Madrid on press duties this week “everyone” reminded him of it.
In Spain they believe destiny favours Real, and the damage their Brazilian talisman can do to Liverpool is one of the reasons for their confidence.
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“I think it’s one of the best little battles because of the way they play,” McManaman said.
“To a certain extent Liverpool got caught out last year when they got beaten at the Alfredo di Stefano. They got caught out in that position with the ball over the top when Trent and Nat Phillips played. It’s an area Real Madrid can exploit, because he wants to get forward.
“There’s huge advantages because he wants to go forward and push forward. Wolves tried to exploit that the other day and got a lot of joy with Neto before he went off injured.
“Carlo (Ancelotti) did it against Chelsea. He pin-pointed that side of the pitch where Christensen, the right wing-back, was playing and against Liverpool he’ll try to do exactly the same.
“It’s something Trent will have to look at and whoever plays alongside will have to communicate with him not to go as far forward because when you look at the Real team you’d think he would play with Vinicius on the left and Benzema through the middle.
“It’s an area Liverpool will have to watch out for, that space where Trent likes to push forward. It’s an area, if I was the opposing manager, I’d say ‘Trent and Andy Robertson like to get forward, that’s where to exploit’.”
Alexander-Arnold, of course, is no weak spot for Liverpool. His own offensive capabilities will give the Reds an extra dimension. It is his third Champions League final, which is incredible given his age.
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“I knew he was special – but it’s all down to him,” McManaman said.
“To play that many times for Liverpool, to play in a Champions League final, for England and win as many trophies as he has, to be as explosive as he is and make as many assists, you have to improve year on year. And that’s down to him.
“At 17, loads of lads have talent. I know loads of lads at the Academy who have that talent but you have to push on. Curtis Jones is going to have to do it, Harvey Elliott is going to have to do it if they’re going to get into that first team and play 150, 200 games for Liverpool.
“He’s a lovely lad, a level-headed lad, he doesn’t let things affect him and he works hard at his game. It’s all down to him, his improvement and skill levels are fantastic.
“He’s had an incredible year.”
McManaman thinks the battle between two of his former sides is the “perfect” meeting of two superstar managers who are ideally suited to their clubs.
He’s edging towards supporting the Reds – partly because of his close ties to the club, where he still coaches at Academy level – and thinks battling for the title up until the final day might actually help them.
“They had a few weeks off before they played Spurs and that game never really got going. It will help them being involved right up until last weekend,” he said.
Watch BT Sport’s exclusive coverage of the UEFA Champions League final between Liverpool v Real Madrid live from the Stade de France from 6pm on Saturday 28th May. For more info, visit btsport.com
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