This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
On Wednesday, Liverpool will face Napoli at Anfield as they look to secure their place in the next round of the Champions League. One battle in particular could have a big impact on the final result.
On the chalkboard
The Reds currently top Group E with nine points, whilst Napoli are one point behind them. RB Salzburg, who are third, are five points behind Jurgen Klopp’s men with two games to play. As such, they are within touching distance of the next round, but a loss would not only put the Serie A outfit in pole position to come first, it would also leave Liverpool needing to pick up a result in Austria against a team they have already struggled to beat this campaign.
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Napoli are currently struggling with off-the-field issues, and there appears to be deep unrest in their camp. However, given the importance of this match, they are likely to be galvanised and should look to push those troubles to one side for 90 minutes. Whilst there will be many captivating duels during this clash, one in particular could have the biggest influence on the fixture’s outcome.
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On September 17, these two sides met in Naples for their first tie of the group stages. Liverpool have been in fantastic form throughout the season, but against the Italian side they met their match. For the first and only time this season, the European champions came out second best, with Carlo Ancelotti’s team prevailing 2-0.
It proved to be a particularly difficult night for the usually-unflappable Andrew Robertson. The 25-year-old is widely considered as one of the best left-backs on the planet, but according to SofaScore, he was the worst player on the pitch in that clash, picking up a rating of 5.5. Mainly, that came from his shakiness in the tackle. He gave away a game-high four fouls, including the penalty that allowed Dries Mertens to bag the opener.
Jose Callejon, the right midfielder, was up against the Scotland international on that night. He was relatively quiet by his standards – in Europe so far this term, he has averaged 3.8 key passes per match, but was unable to record even one at the San Paolo Stadium – but he did have a big impact on the game. It was his drive into the box that forced the former Hull City man to stick a leg out, after all. In all fairness, the decision itself was contentious – there didn’t appear to be too much contact – but it gave the referee a decision to make.
The 32-year-old certainly got the better of his opponent. He won six out of the eight duels he contested, whilst Robertson failed to win even one of the six he took part in. It was likely just an off day for him, but the way he performed will surely give Ancelotti the incentive to ask the former Real Madrid man to threaten once again.
Whilst there is no doubt that Robertson is quality going forward – after all, he picked up 11 Premier League assists last term, and already has five this time around – but questions have been asked of his defensive ability. Against £18m-valued Callejon – as per Transfermarkt – he must be on top of his game. Both in the Champions League and Serie A, he has the most key passes amongst his teammates, as well as the most assists. He has also averaged 1.8 crosses in the league and three in Europe, both of which also lead the way for I ciucciarelli. With the likes of Fernando Llorente, who has played a part in all of the matches in the group to date, to aim for, it is vital Robertson respects his defensive responsibilities. Otherwise, it could be a long night for the Merseyside outfit.
Meanwhile, Liverpool fans react to Eden Hazard’s comments on who should win the Ballon d’Or.
