There are six matches between now and the first leg of the simifinals. Six matches for Phillips and Kabak to become more familiar with one another as a pairing. If they progress half as much in those matches as we have seen in the first two they played together, we will have as good a chance as any to win it all.
Assuming they both play these next six that will be 8 matches in a row as a pair. Have we had the same centerback pairing 8 times in a row any time this season?
The thing is, they played against leipzig who are about mid table prem level and wolves who actually are mid table prem level. Wolves in particular have been woeful in the final third this season without jiminez and they average less than a goal per game.
I’ve seen plenty of reds get carried away with their performances but the truth is they haven’t been tested against decent opposition yet. It’s been fairly easy and straight forward for them.
Luckily for us (I think it was bri who mentioned it), we’ve got Madrid. Benzema isn’t blessed with either pace or strength particularly and I think that suits both kabak and phillips. His movement and experience, however, could be a major problem.
For Madrid, I’d be comfortable persisting with those two at centre half but if we get through and face Chelsea (presumably), and then certainly against one of those four in the final, then I think it’s a certain loss playing those two together. Fabinho would have to play next to Phillips for me.
Only time will tell and some may think I’m being harsh but I just have a bad feeling kabak especially will get found out against decent opponents. Have a horrible feeling he will have a karius type performance somewhere.
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