Victor Wanyama: 5 reasons Harambee Stars captain could win Spurs the Champions League

Victor Wanyama will step into the Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday, June 1, and attempt to become the second Kenyan to win the UEFA Champions League when Tottenham face Liverpool.

And with that in mind, here are five points that make Wanyama Mauricio Pochettino's ideal bane to wield against Jurgen Klopp's troops at the heart of the battle.

READ ALSO: Victor Wanyama spends KSh 2 million to fly family to Madrid for Champions League final

READ ALSO: David Beckham wanted at Man United as fans prefer him to Sanchez

1. Middlefield battle

Moussa Sissoko and Wanyama will offer Poch the double pivot option that will prove the ultimate headache for Reds midfielders, especially in closing down space and creating chances on the ball.

The defensive midfielder will play a crucial role in dismantling Liverpool's buildup by disrupting Klopp's effective press and high line, to give Sissoko time to advance Spurs attack.

2. Familiar Southampton faces

Ex-Southampton players Dejan Lovren, Virgil van Dijk, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sadio Mane; These are some of the Reds players the Kenyan has played with and is well acquainted with their style of play.

READ ALSO: Raila kwa Ruto: 2022 itakuwa moto

Wanyama will be up against a number of familiar faces he played with while still with the Saints.

Interestingly, Wanyama has booked a double-date with Mane in Madrid and later on in Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations when Kenya face Senegal.

3. Wanyama's physical presence

Despite looking a bit out of place at the semi-finals against Ajax's youthful squad, Wanyama will provide some defensive steel in the middle of the park.

With Mane, Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi sure to be raining down shots at Hugo Lloris, Pochettino could do with additional physical strength to wear down his opponents.

PAY ATTENTION: Become a member of the leading sports Facebook group 'TUKO Michezo'

Having been well rested, he should be energised and ready to give his all.

4. Passion

Wanyama has been eager for the chance to shine in the Champions League ever since watching his brother Mcdonald Mariga lift the cup with big ears with Inter in 2010.

The Harambee stars skipper is likely to give his all for Spurs knowing very well this could be the closest he may ever come to lifting the cup.

PAY ATTENTION: Install Pitch Football app for FREE to easily access stats, news and live updates

As Pochettino earlier emphasised, it is passion that will win the encounter.

"Everyone is expecting a tactical battle, but emotions will be the deciding factor.

We're two teams that know each other well, so no tactics are going to be a surprise. The emotional side is going to be fundamental,'' the Spurs boss said concerning the final.

5. Unexpected goal threat

Wanyama is known for his random flashes of brilliance in front of goal that just catch opponents off guard as most defenders rule him out as a priority when it comes to snuffing out attacks.

In 2018, he scored a thunderous screamer against Liverpool from outside the edge of the box.

Such instances may just be the deciding factor in the all-English final.

TUKO.co.ke previously reported that Wanyama funded six of his family members to attend the UEFA Champions League final in Madrid.

The Harambee Stars captain did not want his most important fan base to miss out in what is arguably the 28-year-old's most important game in his career.

Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news.

VOX POP: Come lets bury our survivors | Tuko TV