The Champions League squad lists are in Europe's second-tier
took a leap while the top-tier regressed. The January transfer window is over
and the final list of Champions League squads is in. From a Liverpool
perspective, it could not have gone much better. Champions League fans around
the world can buy online Champions League Tickets to enjoy its stunning performances.
The usual European powers did little enhance their chance,
with the best business coming from the clubs traditionally in the Champions League
second-tier.
The usual giants Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Man City have
regressed. Those teams will remain competitive, but they're more vulnerable to
upsets than in years past. That could open up a scenario where those clubs that’ve
been happy afterthoughts Dortmund and Atalanta could progress deeper than
usual.
When you check out the final squad lists, it becomes more
apparent how open a potential double comes for Jürgen Klopp's team. Here's how
we see Liverpool's squad stacking up against the other
remaining 15 teams.
Liverpool
What’s good: By virtue of the continuity in the squad,
the reigning European champions have the best, most complete squad. Add to that
Takumi Minamino. Jürgen Klopp has an extra player at his disposal, one who has
Champions League experience and provides added versatility to the squad.
Juventus
What’s good Giorgio Chiellini is expected to return from
a torn ACL before the season ends, with an outside shot that he will be ready
for the Lyon game in a fortnight. Maurizio Sarri has the luxury of unlimited
options Juventus have too many good players to even register. Whenever Cristiano
Ronaldo is in a squad, you’re in a good place.
What’s bad Sarri still cannot figure out his best team, which
in and of itself isn’t the worst thing. He’s preferred to rotate game-to-game
based on opponents in pretty much all positions except for the front-three,
where he’s tried to settle on a trio of go-to starters.
Manchester City
What’s good Manchester City’s squad has as much talent
as any in Europe. In any one-off tie, they have the quality to beat anyone.
Aymeric Laporte should be back in full flight by the time they play Real
Madrid. Whether or not his partner, whoever it may be, will be effective is
another question.
What are bad two issues for City the lack of a good
center-back partner for Laporte; Leroy Sané still being in the squad. Sané’s
involvement might be an indication that City expects to need Sane down the
stretch if indeed he is able to return from his injury before the close of the
season and City advance in the Champions League. It’s a gamble worth taking,
but it also absorbs a place in the squad that might have provided some
versatility, something that’s sorely lacking from Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Paris Saint-Germain
What’s good PSG hasn’t had as dominant a domestic
campaign as is typical, but they still have as much position-for-position
talent as any non-Liverpool side in the league.
What’s worse the lack of cohesion among the squad has
been evident this year? There’s discord between the squad, management,
and the head honchos at the club. Rumours of Kylian Mbappé and Neymar leaving
have dominated discussions locally and internationally. Whether or not Thomas
Tuchel can pull the team together for a deep run remains an open question.
Borussia Dortmund
What’s good nobody in Europe had a better transfer
window than Dortmund. The emergence of Erling Brau Haaland as a cross between
early-career Alan Shearer and the Incredible Hulk has been the most impactful
development in European football this season. Dortmund is flying at present
thanks to the combination of Haaland and Jadon Sancho. The team is also loaded
with experience at the back. Former Liverpool player Emre can join the club on
loan in January and is eligible to play.
What’s bad: Dortmund added can because the team felt a
little light in the middle? They play an all-out, bombastic style that can
leave them vulnerable to being hit on the counter-attack. The team is stacked
with talent, but a match-up against PSG isn’t exactly favorable.
Real Madrid
What’s good: Marco Asensio’s return to the Madrid squad
gives Zinedine Zidane the full complement of his attacking options. Zidane’s
team is on the upswing while their round of 16 opponents, Man City, continues
to repeatedly stub their toe domestically. The squad isn’t as good as in
previous years, but it’s good enough to shock City. A midfield quintet of Toni
Kroos, Casemiro, Luka Modric, Isco, and Federico Valverde are capable of
controlling the tempo of a game against any midfield in the world.
What’s bad: The new signings that were supposed to
re-ignite the Zidane era have failed to take off. Eden Hazard has failed to
capture his mid-career Chelsea form. Whispers that the move came to a couple of
seasons too late are starting to look legitimate Meanwhile, Luke Jovic, a
summer pickup from Eintracht Frankfurt, has taken to watching YouTube videos of
his days in Germany to try to find some confidence.
Barcelona
What’s good: Few teams left in the competition have more
experience than Barcelona. The team has been re-focused around aging stars like
Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rackitic, Arturo Vidal and Gerard Pique. But there are
enough young stars that’ve yet to win Europe’s biggest prize that there’s still
some freshness in the squad, Ansu Fati, and Frenkie de Jong chief among them.
What’s bad: You can spin it how you want. Barca’s focus
on their senior players is either a sign of desperation the club trying to
wring the final drops out of a creaking squad or a competitive advantage. It
depends on how much stock you put inexperience. Barcelona’s squad has changed
as much as any team remaining in the competition. Carles Aleñá, Carles Pérez,
Abel Ruiz, Jean-Clair Todino and Moussa Wagué are all out, shipped on loan to
clubs across Europe. With a new still yet to integrate all his ideals, the club
faces an uphill climb. They’re fortunate to have drawn Napoli in the first
knockout round.
Chelsea
What’s good: Chelsea maintained continuity through
January despite their transfer ban being lifted. They added no one to their
Champions League squad and will roll with their youngsters until the end of the
season. A round of 16 clashes against a middling Bayern Münich team provides
the chance for Franck Lampard and co. to grab a big scalp.
What’s bad: Chelsea maintained continuity! Leopard’s
group has been a fun story, but they lack the quality to make a deep run in the
competition.
Champions League fans from all over the world can get Champions League Final Tickets through our trusted online ticketing
marketplace. Xchangetickets.com is the most reliable source to book Champions League Tickets.
No comments:
Post a Comment