Danny Mills has suggested that Tottenham could look to exploit the space left by Liverpool full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson in the Champions League final.
Jurgen Klopp uses both Alexander-Arnold and Robertson high up the pitch to hold the width down their respective sides, which has seen the pair become two of the most productive full-backs in the Premier League.
However, Tottenham have plenty of options that could look to use the space left behind Liverpool’s attacking full-backs, with both Lucas Moura and Heung-Min Son capable of running the channels and stretching Liverpool’s back four.
Mills has revealed that it is something which Mauricio Pochettino’s side could be able to take advantage of in the Champions League final in Madrid.
“One of Liverpool’s biggest strengths is the full-backs and the way they attack, it’s also one of their biggest weaknesses. It’s where Liverpool are most vulnerable and Spurs will target them,” Mills told the Football Insider.
“Robertson and Alexander-Arnold both like to bomb on, create chances and are very good at doing it. Liverpool don’t give away many chances, but when they do, it’s often teams exploiting the spaces behind the full-backs when they are high up the pitch.
“Yes, the two centre-backs are very good, but Spurs will look to run at them and exploit the space. That’s where Son Heung-Min and Lucas Moura can be dangerous with their pace.”
OPINION
Mills’ comments about Tottenham being able to potentially exploit the space left behind by both Alexander-Arnold and Robertson are accurate, and it is a tactic that will probably be used by Pochettino in the final. Tottenham could elect to start both Moura and Son either up front or in a wide role, with the pair able to stay high up the pitch and look to drive into the space down the flanks when Spurs are in possession. However, for that tactic to pay off for Pochettino’s side they will need to ensure they win back the ball regularly enough to mount counter attacks in behind Liverpool’s defence. It will be very interesting to see which side manages to find the right balance between their respective attacking and defensive game plans in Madrid, with both sides very familiar with each others usual game plans having played against each other regularly in the Premier League. Tottenham supporters will be hopeful Mills is right and that Spurs can exploit the weakness of Liverpool’s attacking full-backs.