After a dip in form late last month, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have found some rhythm with a couple of important victories in the domestic league but they will turn their attention to the Champions League this week as they await their first knock out fixture in the competition for the first time since 2009.
They finished at the top of their group and will travel to Estadio Do Dragao to take on Portuguese giants FC Porto, who are at the top of their domestic league table, for the first leg of the Round of 16 of the competition. The Reds will look to take an advantage from this tie but will need most of their star players to be at the top of their game, to take anything from this tie. But here are three players who will be crucial for the visitors against the Dragons.
Mohamed Salah
The Egyptian international is currently one of the most in-form attackers in Europe and is closing in on 30 goals already this season. He has taken no time to adjust to the system under Klopp and will be the most crucial player for the Reds in this game. Porto will have special plans to keep him quite but if he finds his feet, Liverpool are sure to take a positive result from this first leg. If he has an off day, it will be a long day for the visitors.
Roberto Firmino
Having already scored more goals than he has in the entire season last time around, the Brazilin maverick is the most productive player in the UCL this season for Liverpool. He picked up a goal and an assist at the weekend against Southampton and Klopp will hope that he can continue his form and help Liverpool take an advantage back to Anfield.
Virgil van Dijk
The Dutch international put on a solid performance back at St Mary’s this weekend helping Liverpool keep a clean sheet. He looked unfazed by the occasion and Liverpool will need him to put in a similar shift, keeping an in-form Porto attack away from goal. Playing at home, the Dragons have not been easy to contain but in Van Dijk, Liverpool have every chance to frustrate the hosts in this tie. This will be his first European appearance in more than three years and he will surely be under pressure to prove himself.
