Five Udinese Players Liverpool Should Watch Out For

As the Europa League resumes this week, Udinese face tough opposition in the form of Liverpool FC on Thursday evening. Having been placed in the so called ‘group of death,’ Udinese know that they must get a result against the former European champions if they’re to qualify for the knock-out stages.
Liverpool meanwhile, will remain confident of victory having recorded back-to-back wins in the previous week. First against Young Boys of Switzerland in a thrilling 5-3 epic and then against Norwich City last Saturday in a 5-2 goal-fest.
Udinese will look to hit Liverpool on the counter and the English side cannot afford to become complacent. Listed below are five players Liverpool should fear.
Antonio Di Natale
Udinese’s talisman, Di Natale will be looked to add fire power to the Italian’s attack. The forward was conspicuous by his absence in last weekend’s 0-0 draw at home to Genoa, amidst reports of a dressing-room row with coach, Francesco Guidolin. The pair must put their differences aside in time for Thursday evening.
Di Natale has made five appearances this season, scoring three goals. Including a cameo off the bench in the last Europa League game against Anzhi, netting the equaliser as they drew 1-1.
The Italian international will hope to terrorise an inexperienced Liverpool defence and will be a danger from set pieces. Something opposition goalkeepers, Pepe Reina and Brad Jones, may struggle from.

Roberto Pereyra
Currently enjoying the beginning of a break-through season, Roberto Pereyra is a perfect example of a player benefiting from playing in Europe’s second competition.
Signed from Argentine giants River Plate, in 2011, Pereyra has made seven first team appearances this season and came off the bench in Udinese’s last Europa League fixture.
Playing on the left-wing, Pereyra looks to cut in on his favoured right foot and link with the main striker. He will relish his match up with untested right back, Andre Wisdom.

Dusan Basta
Dusan Basta has been one of few Udinese players to show promise this season. Whilst the squad has struggled to find its feet, Basta has been resilient down the right flank. Recent form has seen the Serbian international linked to a January exit to Arsenal, which would be a bitter blow to Udinese.
Basta can play at right back, but is more likely to feature on the right-wing, hoping to exploit any gaps left by Liverpool’s Jack Robinson. Basta has made five appearances for Udinese, scoring twice; including a stunning strike against FC Braga in the Champion’s League qualifying round.

Pablo Armero
Pablo Armero is arguably the finest wing-back in Italy at the moment. Operating on the left side of Udinese’s defence, Armero is regularly seen bombing up and down the wing, supplying the attack with ammunition and also recovering in time to stifle the opposition.
The Colombian has made four appearances for Udinese this season, scoring once. His experience of reading the game will be vital in his side’s tactical plan against Liverpool.

 

Marco Faraoni
A graduate of Lazio’s youth-teams, Marco Faraoni joined Internazionale in 2010, where he featured in their primavera side. Given his first-team debut by Leonardo in 2011/12, Faraoni made 14 appearances as Inter finished second in the league.
The youngster was tipped to challenge for a first-team role, but Ranieri’s departure signalled the end of his time in Milan. Udinese swooped for the youngster in July this year, signing him as part of the deal which took Samir Handanovic to Inter.
Faraoni has made four appearances for Udinese and started against Anzhi. Capable of playing each side of midfield, or in a defensive role, Faraoni will have to remain alert to the threat of Fabio Borini and Raheem Stirling. If his concentration levels remain high, he can snuff out Liverpool’s attacking threat.

Source : ForzaItalianFootball

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