Van Dijk and Gomez must be flawless

THIS mouth-watering clash is a straight shootout between two of Europe’s powerhouse attacks. Paris Saint-Germain’s front four have it all: the intelligent movement of Edinson Cavani, blistering pace of Kylian Mbappe, Angel di Maria’s opportunism and of course Neymar’s trickery. Liverpool were the Champions League’s most prolific side last season, plundering a staggering 47 goals. The electric trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane all reached double figures. With such formidable front lines, it will be the defences that determine which side comes out on top. Liverpool have already addressed their achilles heel that cost them in the Champions League final by bringing in a top-class goalkeeper in Alisson. I have written in these pages that Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez have the potential to become one of the Premier League’s greatest centre-back partnerships. This will be their biggest test so far. Both players are quick and mobile. At times this season they have been able to use their speed to get themselves out of trouble but they cannot rely on pace alone tonight. They must be positionally flawless. Step off Neymar or Di Maria and they will shoot on sight. Get caught out of position and Mbappe will be raiding in behind. For many defenders, facing PSG’s firepower is a frightening prospect but not for Van Dijk and Gomez. They will be relishing the chance to test themselves against the best.