Premier League: Battles on display when Liverpool welcome Chelsea to Anfield
A battle for the ages this one will be. Lukaku’s presence brings so much to the EPL and the test for the best centre-back in the league is well and truly on.
Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip are both back from long-term injuries while Romelu Lukaku returns after a short holiday spent in Italy. However, during that holiday, the Belgian enhanced his abilities, most notably his strength.
We watched him bully Pablo Mari and co. around in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Arsenal and honestly, totally dominated and commanded the area just around the big box and inside the penalty area.
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Is van Dijk a pushover though? Not that we know of. Two clean sheets showcase his and his partner’s expertise at defending – but we do know – it is Matip that will be heavily targetted by Lukaku.
Just recovering from major setbacks and going up against the monster that is 6 ft 3, will be their toughest challenge to date – especially van Dijk – who is the benchmark in the discussion of the world’s best CB.
The good thing is, they played a Burnley side with a big forward in Ashley Barnes and normally is a pushy guy. It was good prep work for VVD and the always animated Joel Matip, but was it enough to make the jump to Lukaku?
I cannot wait to see it!
This combined XI of Liverpool and Chelsea is taken from the opening two games ( it is also my own opinion so don’t kill me)
Goalkeeper: Alisson
Right Back – Reece James
Centre Back – Virgil van Dijk
Centre Back – Joel Matip
Left Back – Trent Alexander-Arnold (the only way you fitting in both)
Midfield – Jorginho
Midfield – Mateo Kovacic
Midfield – Jordan Henderson
Forward – Diogo Jota
Forward – Romelu Lukaku
Forward – Mohamed Salah
Must Read. Harry Kane’s choice to stay at Spurs could be heavily rewarded. light