Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur: 5 players to watch out for | Premier League 2020-21

#3 Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)

Jordan Henderson will need to be at his best to control the midfield in this game.

The 2019-20 FWA Footballer of the Year, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson remains a divisive player outside of Merseyside. For some, he’s the heartbeat that drives Liverpool forward from the center of the pitch. But for others, his best attributes are pointing and shouting at teammates rather than anything he does with the ball.

On Wednesday night when Liverpool play Tottenham, though, Henderson will need to be at his best in order to thrive. Liverpool are still suffering with a major injury crisis. And with the likes of Thiago Alcantara and Naby Keita expected to miss the Spurs game, Henderson will be tasked to control the midfield, likely alongside Georginio Wijnaldum and the inexperienced Curtis Jones.

Wherever Henderson plays in this game, he’s likely to be tested. If he’s deployed as a more attacking option, can he be the first man to really come out on top against Spurs holding man Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg?

And if he sits in a more deeper role, the likelihood is that he’s going to have to stop Tanguy Ndombele – a unique talent able to retain the ball in seemingly impossible situations – from breaking forward and starting Tottenham’s attacks. Not only that, but he’ll also be charged with keeping an eye on Harry Kane.

It seems like a tricky task for any midfielder, but if Henderson can step up and boss the center, his doubters would have to sit up and take notice.

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#4 Eric Dier (Tottenham)

Eric Dier has been a rock for Tottenham this season - but he'll be tested against Liverpool.

While Son Heung-min will also be a key man for Tottenham in this game, it’ll be worth keeping an eye on Jose Mourinho’s defenders – particularly as they’re up against arguably the Premier League’s finest attack on Wednesday.

Eric Dier has been an absolute rock for Tottenham this season. While some fans doubted his ability at center-back, the England man has thrived in the position under Mourinho. In fact, with Dier on the pitch, Tottenham have conceded just three goals from open play in the Premier League.

However, while Dier has become adept at repelling aerial attacks and is more than capable of outmuscling opposition attackers, Liverpool’s front trio promises to provide a different test entirely. The England man lacks pace somewhat – so can he manage to stick close enough to Salah and Mane to stop them bursting through to score?

It sounds over-dramatic, but this may well be the game in which we find out if Dier is the real deal as a center-back or whether he’s still got a lot to learn. If he can succeed, then this game could be Tottenham’s – but if he’s found wanting, then surely Liverpool will win.

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#5 Fabinho (Liverpool)

Can Fabinho marshal a potentially makeshift Liverpool defense on Wednesday?

With both Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez out with long-term injuries – and Joel Matip a potential doubt, too – it’ll likely be down to Fabinho to play a key role in Liverpool’s defense against Tottenham on Wednesday.

How much confidence that will fill Reds fans with is a question mark. The Brazilian isn’t a natural center-back – he’s a holding midfielder – but it’s safe to say that he’s done well in his temporary position thus far into 2020-21.

Fabinho has played at the heart of Liverpool’s defense on multiple occasions this season. And interestingly, since he moved there, the Reds have yet to concede more than a single goal in Premier League action.

However, it’s safe to say that Liverpool also haven’t faced off with a side as dangerous – particularly on the counter – as Tottenham since they were shellacked 7-2 by Aston Villa back in October. That game saw Liverpool’s high line painfully exposed, something that Jose Mourinho will no doubt have noticed.

Fabinho then will be tasked with holding together Liverpool’s makeshift defense against Kane, Son, and the rest of Tottenham’s attacking riches. If he can do that, then Jurgen Klopp may well be tempted to keep him at center-back regardless of injuries going forward.