Smithy: Contrasts hold the key to win

May 23 2007 by Tommy Smith, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL will be looking to two midfielders who have enjoyed contrasting fortunes to play key roles as they bid to become champions of Europe for a sixth time.

Skipper Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso will need to be at their brilliant best for the Reds to get the better of AC Milan in tonight’s Champions League final.

It seems almost inconceivable that the Liverpool skipper will give anything but his best.

Throughout the competition Gerrard has been inspirational, undoubtedly one of the stars of the show. His all-action tempo makes him a key personality on the pitch and he poses a bigger threat to the Italians than most.

He is the player on which the Reds’ attack thrives, always seeking out the quick ball, the defence-splitting pass, and he is the driving force that brings the best out of others.

Alonso, on the other hand, has generally been below par this season.

His creativity is unquestioned, but he has not had the same impact as in previous seasons, and his distribution – the passes that hurt defences most – have not been produced on a regular basis.

For Rafa Benitez to drop him to the bench for a couple of games, including the high profile second leg tie with Chelsea, underlines the fact that he has failed to deliver his high calibre performances often enough.

In fact, he only came on for the last 12 minutes of normal time at Anfield against the Londoners, although he contributed in the extra time that followed, and netted one of the penalties that won the game.

If the Liverpool manager sticks with the idea that Javier Mascherano can be influential in midfield in breaking up Milan attacks – and I think he will – then Alonso is likely to find himself on the bench again – but he definitely has the class to impose himself when called upon.

His absence would mean that Gerrard will have that central midfield role he prefers, and there’s no doubt he can dictate the pattern from there.

However, such is Gerrard’s class – and he is world class, no doubt – that wherever he starts he will hopefully have a huge influence on the outcome. His determination to succeed will reflect in the Reds’ performance tonight.

Certainly, we can’t afford a similar start to 2005! But I believe the Italians will be a little more wary of the threat the Reds pose from different areas – Crouch’s threat in the air, Kuyt’s awareness around the box, the shooting ability of Riise and Agger.

Jamie Carragher and Co will know the importance of stopping Kaka creating the sort of problems he posed against Manchester United.

But I thought United were possibly too over-confident after taking a 3-2 first leg lead to Italy and paid the price.

I expect the Reds to surprise their rivals and adopt a positive approach.

If Milan play something like 5-4-1 then it will free up Liverpool’s players to trouble them.

Let’s hope that the boot’s on the other foot tonight, with Liverpool scoring first half goals to take control – and with no comeback by the Italians!