Liverpool vs Tottenham - Where Should Midfielder Go? 3 Key Battles

With discussions across the country turning to the battle between Liverpool and Tottenham over the potential deal to snap up Anzhi playmaker Willian, we have broken the fight down to three key areas to decide where the Brazilian should go.

1) The gaffers

Both Brendan Rodgers and Andre Villas-Boas are renowned for their silky, attacking football, which is ideal for any Brazil international looking to come into the English leagues. The fact that AVB is Portuguese may help the 25-year-old settle, as well as compatriots Paulinho and Sandro in the middle of the field, but the Reds also hold their own Samba men in Philippe Coutinho and Lucas.

Villas-Boas strives for athleticism in his midfield, shipping out Scott Parker and Tomm Huddlestone for more agile units, and Willian would match the physical demands that the capital club call for.

Verdict: Liverpool 0-1 Spurs

2) Prospects

Both sides will be looking to penetrate that elusive top four barrier come May and both outfits have a strong chance of doing so. The Reds especially have shown just what they can do now Rodgers' plan is starting to settle, and although they both picked up 1-0 wins on the opening day of the season you know there will be a lot more to come, both individually and as groups.

However, for me, Spurs hold the stronger squad. If Gareth Bale stays at White Hart Lane this summer then they will possess one of the sturdiest rosters in the league, with Roberto Soldado now spearheading their team.

If I had to choose which of the two I thought would grab that fourth place spot, I'd have to say Spurs.

Verdict Liverpool 0-2 Spurs

3) Game time

There is no question where he would get more of a say on the team sheet - Merseyside. The Spurs midfield is rammed - Gareth Bale, Mousa Dembele, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Paulinho, Sandro, Etienne Capoue, Aaron Lennon and so on.

The interchanging system Rodgers has in place, with Coutinho, Daniel Sturrdige, Iago Aspas and perhaps Luis Suarez, Willian would have a lot of joy.

His fleet feet and creativity would go a long way in the Scousers' bid for Europe, and they take the last point in our war.

Final Score: Liverpool 1-2 Spurs