Real Madrid Starting XI Prediction vs. Liverpool for the Champions League final
RW Fede Valverde
Fede needs to start. I don’t care where he plays, but he needs to play. I think that Rodrygo is having a fantastic run so far, but I really want to keep him as a super-sub because of what he brings off the bench, and what Valverde brings on the pitch, even as a winger.
Valverde’s energy, physicality, ball carrying, defending and desire to win would be really important vs Liverpool. Going up against Luis Diaz on that flank with Robertson’s constant overloads, Valverde would definitely have to defend a lot.
Plus, I don’t know if anyone’s taken notice, but each time Valverde has started as a winger, Carvajal has had a great game, because he gives the Spaniard enough coverage to let him do his thing in the offense. Need more of that vs Liverpool. Bring Rodrygo on and let him do his thing later on.
CF Karim Benzema
This is another very easy choice. Karim Benzema is the best player in the world. This is the biggest game in the world. He starts.
His battle vs Virgil Van Dijk, if he plays, would be absolutely crucial in deciding what happens. We need a big performance from Benzema, because he’s our best bet in the offense. If they somehow limit his contribution, things look very slim and bleak for Real Madrid.
LW Vinicius Junior
Another fairly easy choice. Even though Rodrygo has been amazing on the left wing whenever Vini has been on the bench, there’s no way Vinicius gets benched. He has 21 goals and 20 assists, and he’d love to add a couple more with the space Trent leaves behind.
Next. How Real Madrid can maximize Vinicius Jr. vs. Liverpool. dark
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If Real Madrid are able to get Vinicius the ball in space, he could become the team’s most lethal weapon since he has the ability to carve Liverpool open with even the teeniest bit of space. Let’s see what happens. I can’t wait.