Liverpool players

Liverpool KEY players

LIVERPOOL, England (AP): A look at Liverpool's key players:

LORIS KARIUS

Karius supplanted Simon Mignolet as first-choice goalkeeper at the turn of the year and has kept the spot ever since. The 24-year-old German's handling can be suspect, though he has barely made a mistake in the last five months and manager Jurgen Klopp appreciates Karius' ability with his feet.

VIRGIL VAN DIJK

Van Dijk is football's most expensive defender after moving from Southampton to Liverpool for PS75 million in January. He is a commanding presence at center back, and has brought authority and assuredness to a defence that was widely seen as frail and error-prone. The Dutchman is a threat at corners, too.

JORDAN HENDERSON

Henderson is looking to become the fifth Liverpool captain to lift European football's biggest prize. He has grown as a leader in his position at the base of the midfield this season, although he has not always been assured of his place in the team because of the impressive form of Emre Can. Henderson works hard and keeps it simple with his passing.

MOHAMED SALAH

Salah is having the season of his career, with 44 goals in 51 games, and could yet win the Ballon d'Or if he guides Liverpool to the UEFA Champions League title. The Egypt forward has an uncanny calmness in front of goal, with his chipped finishes or curling shots into the far corner becoming his trademark. He is positioned on the right of the front three, but is often found centrally and the furthest forward.

ROBERTO FIRMINO

Firmino sets the tone for the pressing game that Klopp demands and is often seen harassing opposition defenders and midfielders, winning the ball back. But the Brazilian has added goals a career-high 27 in all competitions this season to his game, making him a brilliant all-round striker. Firmino often drops deep to help out his midfield when Liverpool is under pressure.

SADIO MANE

Mane has often gone under the radar this season because of the prolific scoring of Salah and the all-around improvement of Firmino, but he has come into form in the final months of the season. Expect the unexpected with Mane, who can miss easy chances and give the ball away cheaply, then explode into the game with goals and dangerous runs.