LONDON: Liverpool open their Champions League campaign with a high-profile clash against Atletico Madrid at Anfield early on Thursday morning, with the Spanish club set to be the Reds’ toughest test so far this season.
Andoni Iraola’s team had a rocky start in the domestic competition when they drew 2-2 in their first two Premier League (EPL) matches before achieving their first win under the Spanish coach when they beat Ipswich Town away.
With Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo enjoying a stellar start to the season, the combination of the two players could be a key factor if Liverpool are to overthrow Diego Simeone’s side.
Isak appears to have finally found his rhythm for the first time since joining the Merseyside club for Britain’s highest transfer fee last summer.
His two quick goals against Ipswich at Portman Road gave an idea of the threat the Swedish striker can pose under Iraola.
Isak has now equalled the number of EPL goals he scored throughout last season, thus looking more like the player Liverpool bought from Newcastle United than the striker who struggled to maintain consistency last season.
Apart from his goal-scoring ability and shooting threat, Isak’s movement also looks much sharper and more dangerous.
However, Isak doesn’t have to shoulder the attacking task alone as his partnership with Gakpo continues to develop.
Gakpo can be said to be Liverpool’s best player this season as his performances have improved in every match under the Reds’ new manager.
The Dutchman also provided two assists for Isak against Ipswich in the last match.
Iraola used the 27-year-old winger in a different role compared to when he played under Slot over the past two seasons.
Gakpo was given more freedom to create chances, but at the same time reduced his attempts to score.
What makes the Gakpo and Isak pairing so difficult for opposing defenses to deal with is that both are capable of operating from the left side as well as in the middle.
This means their positional switching and ability to pull defenders out of position can be a major threat.