Was thinking about the last time we were in the semifinals and how that team stacks up against our current one.
---------Reina
Arbeloa Carragher Skrtel Aurelio
------Masch Alonso
Kuyt-----Gerrard----Babel
--------Torres
What a midfield that was. Great back 4 too, before Skrtel lost his way after Rafa's disciplined approach left and Aurelio got hurt. Compare that to:
--------Karius
Trent--Lovren--VVD--Robertson
-------Henderson
----Chamberlain-Milner
Salah-----Firmino---Mane
Very different team with different strengths. Much more aggressive and attack minded. Both are devastating teams on the counter, but Rafa's side was more about organization and being compact in the back and controlled in the midfield.
Klopp's side is all about intensity in the midfield, pressing from the front, and the sheer firepower of that front 3. Chaos on the counter vs Rafa's control. Klopp's side has more on the wings especially, and Firmino has more to his game than Torres did, though Fernando as a goal threat was far more deadly.
It's interesting thinking how those systems suited certain players. Certain players might be able to play in both systems (Masch, Gerrard, Kuyt, Mane, Salah, VVD). Some fantastic players might seem really out of place in the other manager's set up (Alonso, Firmino).
Which is a better team for you? Who would make a combined 11?
