Champions League Final: Comparing Liverpool's winning XI from 2005 with Klopp's expected XI

Deepest Midfielder - Xabi Alonso vs Jordan Henderson

Alonso is one of the classiest midfielders ever

Xabi Alonso is one of the greatest technicians to ever play for the club. His stints with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich further emphasise this quality. The Spaniard scored the third goal in the stirring comeback at Istanbul and proved to be one of the best Liverpool midfielders ever. No wonder, he is deeply adored by fans even today.

This could not be farther from a description Jordan Henderson. The former Sunderland man does not have the technical ability or the ability to dominate games like Alonso.

However, the 27-year old is no slouch and more than makes up for it with his 'never-give-up' attitude and brilliant team-ethic. In fact, it is his selflessness and the understanding of the club which made him the Liverpool captain.

Nevertheless, this clash is a no-contest and Xabi Alonso takes another big win for the 2005 team.

LFC 2005 5 - 1 LFC 2018

---

Roaming Midfielder - Steven Gerrard vs Gini Wijnaldum

Gerrard was truly one-of-a-kind player for the Reds

Pitting almost any Liverpool player against Steven Gerrard will result only in one outcome. A ferocious combination of ability, leadership and unbreakable will, Gerrard stands out with his unbelievable knack for putting on a show in the biggest games of his career.

Comparing Wijnaldum with arguably the club's best player does not help the Dutchman's case at all. In fact, the 27-year old has played a crucial part in winning the midfield for Klopp. However, Steven Gerrard comfortably nails this one and takes the captain's armband as well.

LFC 2005 6 - 1 LFC 2018

---

Attacking Midfielder - Harry Kewell vs James Milner

Milner is one of the most consistent players at Liverpool

Kewell and Milner are an unusual matchup in several ways. The latter is an attacking midfielder while the former plays deeper. Also, the roles are different as well with Milner having the extra task of protecting the defence constantly and picking his runs forward.

Kewell was a player with potential who never fully realized it at Liverpool. Meanwhile, Milner joined on a free, played at left-back last season and has put on consistent top displays this season. He broke the assist record for a single Champions League campaign with 9 so far and never stops running.

LFC 2005 6 - 2 LFC 2018