The two players of Nigerian descent were Bayern Munich’s nemesis in the quarterfinals
Former Liverpool left-back Jose Enrique has warned Liverpool to beware of Villarreal’s attacking terror duo of Samuel Chukwueze and Arnaut Danjuma.
Liverpool, chasing honours on four different fronts, are the massive favourites in the Champions League semifinal showdown with La Liga side Villarreal.
But this is not the first time Villarreal would be considered underdogs during their terrific run to the competition’s last four.
The Spaniards were expected to find Juventus too hot to handle in the round of 16. But Danjuma was among the goalscorers as the Europa League holders ran out 4-1 aggregate winners.
Many then thought it would be the Yellow Submarines bus stop when they were paired against Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals.
But Danjuma scored in the 1-0 win at the Estadio de la Ceramica in the first leg, and Chukwueze got the sucker punch in the 1-1 draw at the Allianz Arena to set up a date with Liverpool.
The Reds will host the first leg at Anfield today, with Enrique admitting that Jurgen Klopp’s men are the favourites.
But the former Spain international has warned that it could be dangerous for the Premier League side to underrate Villarreal’s Lagos-born Dutch striker and Super Eagles winger.
“Villareal are the underdogs, but look at what happened to Bayern, look what happened to Juventus as well,” the former Villarreal defender told BBC’s Sportsworld.
“They have a very strong line-up and have a very good team.
“Also, Unai Emery knows what he’s doing. He’s going to play with caution, counter-attacking football, and use Arnaut Danjuma and Samuel Chukwueze – who are very fast – to try and exploit the space.
“He won’t try to go 50-50 against Liverpool at Anfield.”
Kickoff time for Liverpool versus Villarreal is 8 pm Nigerian time.
