Liverpool's defensive strength is the key to success in the Nou Camp - that and a belief they now belong on football’s biggest stage.
That is the verdict from Reds legend Robbie Fowler, who wants his former club “to go there ready to take a swing at Barcelona !”
That is a cheeky reference to the squad he was part of which travelled to the Catalan capital back in February 2007 and recorded a shock victory.
The two goalscorers on that famous night were Craig Bellamy and John Arne Riise, who had been embroiled in a training camp fracas just days before…with Bellamy ultimately brandishing a golf club at his team-mate.
Fowler though, has no doubt the incident actually brought the squad together, and inspired a performance which swept aside a team containing Messi, Ronaldinho, Xavi, and Iniesta.
“Things like that, they can work for you. It was a bit like the ‘dentist chair’ before Euro ’96. So much was made of it, but it can strengthen the group resolve, makes you an even closer unit,” he said.
There was evidence of that too, as Bellamy marked his goal that night with a golf swing, and Riise offering a huge grin as he joined the wild celebrations.
Fowler added: “To be honest, too much was made of that. We were in a training camp in Portugal before the game in Barcelona, and the manager Rafa Benitez gave us a night off for a meal and a few drinks. There was a bit of a row between the pair of them, that’s all.
“Those things happen a lot and normally remain in house. The rest of the lads didn’t know anything about the gold club until the next day, when it got into the media and all hell broke loose. The funny thing was, I don’t think any of us actually played any golf out there!
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“But it was interesting the pair of them scored. We were all together, it had an effect.”
Fowler didn’t play that night, but as an experienced member of the squad, he watched with fascination as Benitez did a number on Barcelona, with a cunning tactical plan.
“They had a great team. The front line was Saviola, Ronaldinho and Messi! Just like Liverpool are facing this week, you can’t defend one on one against that sort of attack,” he explained.
“That night, Rafa played Alvaro Arbeloa, who is right-footed, on the left to stop Messi coming inside. We also had a really well drilled, tight back six which closed the space, not just up front but in the passing channels.
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“And we had a bit of pace up top - which is why I didn’t play! This current Liverpool team has that.”
Fowler has his coaching Pro Licence, and has just been appointed head coach at A-League side Brisbane Roar. In watching Barca he has noticed that, if they are vulnerable anywhere, it is against pace on the counter.
“The first thing needed is defensive organisation. You can’t expect a full back to play against Messi on his own and stop him,” he added.
“Liverpool have that. Van Dijk has made a massive difference in that area - he doesn’t seem to have any flaws in his game and he raises the level around him.
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“But watching Barca, no doubt the times they’ve been in trouble this season are when sides have used pace to get at them wide and get in behind. The question for Liverpool is whether they gamble a bit on really pushing their full backs on as normal.”
It could be the key, because if Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson - who provide the main supply routes - do bomb forward they will have space to exploit. But they will leave space too. This is where the belief comes in.
“I honestly believe Liverpool will go there thinking they can win. I’m not saying Barca will worry more about Salah and co than vice-versa, but it’s something to think about.
“If Liverpool can remain compact and draw their opponents on, there will be space. And they know they are good enough to exploit it - they proved that in Munich. They had a game-plan which worked there and it can work again.
“Sometimes, the quality of the opposition can inspire you, not intimidate. One thing I’ve seen about this squad - they have that too…and I don’t think they’ll need any golf clubs this time either!”
