Former Manchester United defender and 2008 Champions League winner Rio Ferdinand has called out the decision to start Harry Kane as boost to Liverpool's centre-backs.
Speaking as a pundit on BT Sport ahead of kick off, the 40-year-old suggested that the Englishman would lift spirits in the Tottenham Hotspur dressing room, but also among his opponents in red.
Lucas Moura was dropped to make way for the 25-year-old on his return after being forced off with an ankle injury in the 1-0 win over Manchester City in the quater-final of the Champions League in April.
According to Ferdinand, Virgil van Dijk and the rest of Jurgen Klopp's back line will have been hoping to come up against a half fit Kane who should tire as the game goes on.
"It’s a massive call," said the ex-United defender. "I just think for other players yes he's their talisman, he's their main man.
"To see him in the changing room, in the squad, is a huge boost."
"I'm thinking he ain't going to be fully fit, he ain't going to be sharp he’s been out for 54 days.
"Play him. I’d like that, I’d prefer that."
However, Ferdinand said he does understand why Mauricio Pochettino opted to start Kane given the occasion.
"You want the best players out there," he said. "But it’s important Harry is honest.
"I think that’s a big thing for any player. [Harry] Winks as well. He’s coming off a injury [too].
"You have to be honest with your teammates, your manager, the people following this team that you don't go out there and leave your teammates short.
"That'll be in the back of his mind I'm sure. The best players on this stage this is what you want."
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