A late Lucas Moura goal in the semi-final of the 2019 Champions League cost Ajax the chance to battle for the crown against Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp against Erik ten Hag in the final of Europe’s elite competition would have been a mouthwatering clash, especially considering the team the Dutch giants had that season.
It wasn’t meant to be then, but Ajax host the Reds in the Champions League tonight. Ten Hag doesn’t have the likes of Hakim Ziyech, Donny van de Beek, Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt any more, but de Godenzonen are still a quality side.
They will be looking to take the game to Liverpool tonight, and Ajax boss ten Hag believes the Reds aren’t as strong as they were a week ago after what happened in the Merseyside derby.
He told Voetbal International: “Liverpool is a beautiful advert, the best team in the world. If you win the Champions League one year and the Premier League the next, you show that you are the best team in the world. They have a wide selection and can absorb setbacks. But it’s clear the team won’t benefit from Virgil’s absence.
“Liverpool always play the same. That has to do with their principles. Whether it says option A or B: the principles remain the same. But again, they don’t get any better without Van Dijk, because the quality of A is sometimes better than that of B. Ultimately, it is all about who plays.”
Van Dijk’s injury is a big blow for Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk was forced off the pitch in the first half of the Merseyside derby on Saturday after injuring his knee. Liverpool confirmed that he is set to undergo surgery, which rules him out of action for the foreseeable future.
The Dutchman’s absence is a massive blow for Liverpool. Klopp’s men have relied on Van Dijk a lot over the last two seasons, and the former Saints star has come up with the goods in almost every game.
Liverpool’s win rate in all competitions drops by almost 30% when Van Dijk doesn’t start for them (Read more). That is a massive difference and it is something that should boost the confidence of opposition teams.
Ajax will certainly look to exploit Liverpool’s weaknesses at the back. Van Dijk’s absence will put a lot of pressure on Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and possibly Fabinho’s shoulders which could potentially have a negative effect on them in tonight’s game.
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