Liverpool have guests Ajax Amsterdam in the second match of Group A of the 2022/23 Champions League. The match will take place at Anfield on Wednesday (14/9/2022) early morning WIB.
Ajax arrived with high confidence after shaving Rangers 4-0 in the first match. Meanwhile, Liverpool are in poor condition due to a 1-4 defeat to Napoli.
The Reds are certainly targeting three points to open up the opportunity to qualify for the group phase. Liverpool coach, Jurgen Klopp, wants his team to get up after a bad result in Naples. "We have to show a reaction, we know that," Klopp said.
Liverpool is still not strengthened by several pillars such as Andy Robertson, Jordan Henderson, Ibrahima Konate, to Naby Keita. However, the Reds are predicted to depend on several other key players.
Here are some key players for Liverpool ahead of facing Ajax in the second week of the 2022/23 Champions League.
Mohamed Salah
Overall, Mohamed Salah has not found his best performance. Salah will be motivated to 'explode' and end his longest drought of seven goals in the Champions League.
However, the Egyptian player remains a mainstay for Jurgen Klopp's squad. Considering he is Liverpool's all-time top scorer in the Champions League with 34 goals.
With his motivation to end his goal drought, Daley Blind must be aware of the sharpness and movement of the player who has played for Chelsea.
Darwin Nunez
Liverpool's second key player came in the figure of Darwin Nunez. Last season, the Uruguayan striker had a sweet memory when he met Ajax.
While defending Benfica, Nunez successfully kicked The Amsterdammers through his goal in the second leg of the Champions League in the round of 16. Of course, Jurgen Klopp hopes that Nunez's luck will spread in this match.
Nunez is predicted to be under tight control from tough defender Jurrien Timber. If he manages to improve his performance and sharpness, it is not impossible for Nunez to easily pass this obstacle from the Dutch national team defender.
Roberto Firmino
Roberto Firmino seems to be prepared by Jurgen Klopp to appear from the bench. But make no mistake, Firmino's role can be key.
When Darwin Nunez was absent, the Brazilian player made such a big impact for Liverpool. Firmino has made seven games, scoring three goals and providing three assists in all competitions.
The advantage of Firmino's attribute is his mobility. He can be in the most forward position and between the opposing centre-backs. However, the 30-year-old can also help defence.
Luis Diaz
Jurgen Klopp will still rely on Luis Diaz to fill the winger post. Diaz became the only Reds player to score against Napoli on the first matchday last week.
Diaz is a winger who has speed, capable dribbling, and above average agility. The type of player Liverpool need to be able to change the course of the game.
This season, the Colombian has made eight appearances in all competitions with a collection of four goals.