Newcastle United visit Anfield on Boxing Day to take on Liverpool which is sure to be one of the toughest games for Rafa Benitez this festive period.
Benitez will be heading back to one of his former clubs and he knows fully well that picking up even a point will need a miracle.
But now Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has named the one player who the Reds need to be wary about given his problem causing moves inside the penalty area.
“Newcastle look likely they could play 5-4-1. So that means we have to be patient,” Klopp said.
“They give us a lot to think about, their crosses with Rondon in the box. We are really thinking about Newcastle now.
“I don’t think a second about January and February. I think about Newcastle, that’s all that is on my mind. As long as the boys follow in that path, everything will be fine.
“We need to stay angry, stay greedy, and that’s what we need to do against Newcastle. It’ll be the third time we’ll be up against a back five.
“Rafa can organise a defence really well – not so cool, but good for him – but we will try.”
Salomon Rondon has so far played 13 games in the Premier League for the Toons during which he has scored four goals and provided two assists.
Salomon Rondon is a threat from set-pieces and the forward averages 1.5 shots per game from inside the penalty area.
While it will be an uphill task for Newcastle United but Liverpool are expected to make a number of changes keeping in mind the Arsenal clash next weekend – and this can play the Boxing Day fixture right into Rafa Benitez’s hands.
Read: Liverpool have two injury boosts before their clash vs Newcastle but will Klopp risk them before the Arsenal game?
Read: Arsenal defender could be ruled out for the Liverpool clash this weekend.
