Sergei Shevchenko talks about individual battles in the Kharkov Champions League match.
Marlos vs Aleksandar Kolarov One of the most curious duels awaits us on the flank: the brilliant technician Marlos against the experienced and perceptive Kolarov. The Brazilian Ukrainian in excellent shape, which showed the match with Chernomorets. Two goals and three assists - a cool indicator even with a reservation about the level of the opponent. The best footballer of Ukraine-2017 is now at the peak of his career.
Resist the Marlos will be 32-year-old Serb, since 2007 serving in the top championships. Kolarov - the most successful transfer of Roma in the summer off-season. He went straight into the basis, and a month later became the leading player of the team. Alexandar can be compared to Dario the Stern of the best times: he also plays on the flank of the defense (unlike the Croatian, on the left), effectively connects to the attacks, has the most accurate pass and knows how to comply with the standards. No wonder Jallorossi is attacked with a skew on the left flank. Kolarov - the leader of Roma in the number of aggravating programs and on the average score of Whoscored, so that from Marlos will need the ability to defend himself.
Ismail vs Chengiz Under Here the situation is the opposite: Roma's most brilliant attacking player against Shakhtar's leading defender. Under - a new name in the championship of Italy. This is a 20-year-old rising star of Turkish football. He opened up in Istanbul's Bashakshehir (so he did not meet Shakhtar first), passed to Roma last summer, but did not open himself at once. It took time to adapt and learn the language, but now Under plays much more boldly. The first goal of "Turkish Dibala" scored only in the 23rd round, but since then he has not left the field without a goal. His strong qualities - accurate pitching and a powerful blow to the left. Look at the goal at the gates of Udinese: it's not even a "cannon", it's a "laser".
Ismaili is more than worthy opponent. Fast, technical, already experienced enough. He became the hero of the home game with Manchester City, when he wiped out the opponent's defense with regular connections. If Shakhtar manages to impose his football on Rome, Undera will not be at all until the offensive.
Fred vs Raja Nainggolan In the center of the field will compete two world-class midfielder. Fred and Nainggolana will gladly invite any top club, now their task is to "make a difference" in favor of their team. Fred got it in a home match with Napoli when he beat Marek Hamsik, and his game against Man City resulted in an interest from the English grandee. This brazilian man knows everything on the field: picking, giving, punching.
Nainggolan is more focused on the attack. He can easily beat one on one, so the miners need a safety net both from Stepanenko and from the central defenders. Also, Raja possesses an accurate pass and a splendid blow to the right. Roma in the match with Udinese corrected the alignment (4-2-3-1 instead of 4-3-3), slightly shifting the position of the Belgian, who now plays closer to other people's gates and is not burdened by work in defense. Nainggolan himself slightly changed his appearance: his bright red Iroquois will be noticeable even from the upper rows of the Metalist stadium.
Tyson vs Daniele De Rossi Confrontation between the two captains and another key duel in center field. Tyson successfully manifested himself in the Champions League matches, especially at home with Napoli, where he scored a goal. He surpasses the opponent in speed, and unpredictable actions of the Brazilian can drive the Italian veteran into a dead end. De Rossi is not in the best shape, he only recently recovered from injury, and this should be used. The transition of Roma to the game in two opornika gives a chance to the Miners: more space - more opportunities for high-speed attacks.
On the side of De Rossi, experience and character are qualities that are especially valuable in the playoffs. This is the leader in spirit. So Shakhtar had Srna, but now Dario is out of the game. Tyson is a great footballer, but will he act like a captain? Will the proper attitude be maintained even if the Romans play tough games? De Rossi "famous" for rudeness and provocation, although sometimes it is against him, remember the removal and penalty in the match with Genoa, when Daniele slapped Lapadule.
Facundo Ferreira vs Federico Facio The best scorer of Shakhtar against the leader of the defense of the Romans. Two Argentines with the same initials will be responsible for the effectiveness. It's not just about the goals of the Ukrainian team. Fazio is extremely dangerous with the standards, so that Ferreira (as well as other Shakhtar players) must be extremely careful. Federico already scored Benevento and Cagliari, with a goal to the islanders brought Roma three points in the compensated time.
The defense at the corners is not the strongest quality of the Miners, it is enough to remember both the decisive goal of Celta, and the third goal in the guest match with Napoli.
Fasio is stronger physically: it is 10 centimeters taller and 14 kilograms heavier. It will be difficult for Ferreira to defeat him in a direct battle. Shakhtar Forward needs to connect both speed and game trick. Choice of position, "torn" pace, non-standard actions - trumps Facundo in the fight against such a powerful opponent. Of course, much will depend on support from the depth of the field, Ferreira does not create moments alone.