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Right Midfielder: Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)
Liverpool's captain fantastic, Jordan Henderson offers much-needed balance to the side. Without him, the Jurgen Klopp machine just doesn't click, as was witnessed on a few occasions last season.
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Henderson is a hard-working and athletic player who brings a lot of energy to the team. The Englishman is useful in pressing high up when the opposition has the ball. He is also key in transitioning defence into attack.
In addition to his footballing skills, Henderson is also known for his tactical intelligence and inherent leadership qualities. That is something he'll have to bring to the fore against City's well-oiled machine.
Defensive Midfielder: Fabinho (Liverpool)
Fabinho is Liverpool's evergreen utility ma. He is capable of filling in for anyone in defence and midfield. But his best position is defensive midfield, where he can provide a protective cover for the back four as well as dictate play.
A robust and agile player crucial to winning the ball back, the Brazilian has made 27 recoveries in the new season. Fabinho is strong in the air too, winning eight of his 11 aerial duels this campaign.
He narrowly gets the nod ahead of City's Rodri, who's also an exceptional holding midfielder. Against City, Fabinho will be tasked with breaking down plays and win the midfield battle. That could swing the balance of the game in Liverpool's favour.
Left Midfielder: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
There hasn't been a better creator in the Premier League than Kevin De Bruyne. He has made 79 assists in 183 top-flight games since joining from VfL Wolfsburg in 2016. No other player even comes remotely close to him in that regard.
De Bruyne is a creative wizard with a penchant for defence-splitting passes. He possesses uncanny set-piece prowess, and can alter the course of matches single-handedly.
He isn't blessed with physical strength and aerial prowess. But De Bruyne makes up for that with his speed and elegance on the ball. He also possesses good dribbling skills and excellent positional awareness.
De Bruyne is yet to open his account in the league this season; he hasn't even registered an assist. But what better occasion to open both his accounts against Liverpool at Anfield?
