There was no real surprise in the Liverpool XI v Real Madrid for tonight’s Champions League final in Paris.
The only question marks centered around whether Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp would be able to call on Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho, both of whom were mild injury concerns this week.
However, the Reds have both midfielders included in the first XI.
One player who misses out is Joel Matip, who started alongside Virgil van Dijk the last time Klopp’s side won this competition back in 2019.
This time, Ibrahima Konate – who, like Matip, had started seven Champions League games this season – gets the nod in central defence.
Here’s how Michael Owen reacted to seeing the Cameroon international miss out.
This decision could potentially come back to haunt the former Borussia Dortmund coach.
Paul Merson has argued that Konate’s speed over Matip makes him a greater asset when it comes to shackling the likes of Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema.
But remember, Konate is only 22.
Matip is a much more experienced centre-back and, as mentioned, has already won a Champions League with Liverpool.
There’s no denying Konate has been exceptional this season, but he arguably cost the Reds their first goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers last week and has been showing signs of fatigue.
Time will tell whether Klopp is vindicated in benching Matip for the Liverpool XI v Real Madrid.
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