Liverpool vs. Real Madrid player duels: Andrew Robertson or Ferland Mendy?

It is the third time the two famous clubs have met in a European Cup final - a record for a single fixture - with the past two split one apiece, Liverpool winning in Paris in 1981 before Real Madrid lifted the trophy in 2018.

Ahead of the blockbuster fixture between two of Europe's most decorated teams, the Sports Mole team have compared every player likely to start the match for both sides in Paris.

Here, we discuss whether Liverpool's Andrew Robertson or Real Madrid's Ferland Mendy is the better left-back.

Barney Corkhill, Editor

VERDICT: Andrew Robertson

Trent Alexander-Arnold rightly gets huge amounts of praise for his performances week-in, week-out, but Andrew Robertson is every bit as important to Liverpool's success as his fellow full-back.

The Scot must go down as one of the best buys in recent Premier League history, with Liverpool plucking him from relegated Hull City and since going on to see him become one of the best full-backs in the world over the past three or four seasons.

As with Alexander-Arnold on the opposite flank, it is Robertson's attacking exploits which make the most headlines - 14 assists and three goals across all competitions from left-back this season, compared to two goals and four assists for Mendy.

Mendy's pass completion percentage is fairly significantly higher than Robertson's, but that can in part be attributed to the Liverpool man producing far more progressive passes forward than his Madrid counterpart.

Robertson comes out on top in some key defensive statistics too - namely tackles, blocks, interceptions, clearances and aerial duels won - leaving me to give the Scotland international the nod here.

Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter

VERDICT: Andrew Robertson

Succeeding Marcelo at Real Madrid would be a tall order for any left-back on the planet, but Mendy has cemented his spot in the side and has already come up with some crucial Champions League contributions.

Indeed, the Frenchman provided two assists in the first-leg semi-final defeat to Man City at the Etihad, but Robertson has been setting up goals left right and centre this season.

Providing 15 assists for his teammates while chalking up a trio of goals himself, Robertson has risen to the challenge since Kostas Tsimikas's arrival at Anfield and earns my selection every day of the week.

SPORTS MOLE VERDICT: ANDREW ROBERTSON