A game of two midfields
Whilst I truly hope it’s not, tonight has the potential to be as big a snorefest as watching a ManU – Chelsea FA Cup Final in a bed factory, after a big lunch while several anaesthetists ply you with drugs. The morning after a night out.
Both defences are pretty solid, with only Maldini’s age and Agger’s fear of the hurly-burly to be seen as potential weaknesses. Equally, both strikeforces can seem slightly toothless. Shorn of Ronaldo through being cup tied,
Milan rely on Gilardino and Inzaghi – neither high on technique, though both can obviously finish.
Liverpool have Kuyt, Bellamy and Crouch. Rarely can there have been a team in the Champions League Final with a worse array of strikers since, well, the last time
Liverpool were there.
So, the game will hinge on the midfields. Kaka and Gerrard are gaining the plaudits pre-game, but the true turning point will be the performances of Pirlo and Alonso. They are the heartbeat of either team, link the play and dictate the tempo. They are the ‘quarterbacks’ and, without their prompting, Gerrard and Kaka will be starved of the service they need to show off their energy and skill.
With both teams looking likely to play 4-5-1, I can sense a 1-0 win.
Just don’t think it’s going to be pretty.
