Micah Richards explains why Liverpool must be careful of Kylian Mbappe, they need to change tactics - opinion

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Kylian Mbappe is currently playing some of the best football of his career.The Reds have had a tough start to the season and are going through a little bit of a bad spell, but victory over Aston Villa will give them hope that they are turning things around.However, to make it back-to-back wins, they need to get past Real Madrid in the Champions League, something they have not done all too often before.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. The Spanish giants are in a good run of form right now too after winning their last five games, with Mbappe netting eight goals in his last six games.He will fancy his chances against Liverpool too given how poorly they have been defensively, with the Reds likely needing to change tactics if they are to manage him.Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport via Getty ImagesLiverpool cannot play a high line vs Real MadridIf there is one thing Mbappe is known for, it is speed, with the Frenchman one of the fastest players in the world.He also has the finishing to go hand-in-hand, hence why he is one of the best strikers in the world and Liverpool will have a big problem if they are not careful.The Reds play a fairly high line too, and so far it has not worked this season, suggesting they will need to change this when facing Madrid.If not, Mbappe will use his strengths to get in behind time after time and punish Liverpool, wrapping the game up before it has basically even started.This is something Micah Richards also references on The Rest Is Football Podcast, suggesting the Reds could be in danger if they are not careful.“I fear for Liverpool against Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe is in scintillating form at the moment,” he said.“He always likes to time his run right at the very edge, so if they give him space, he will punish you.” READ MORE: Gary Lineker suggests when Florian Wirtz should start for Liverpool again, and he’s absolutely rightSo, as much as Arne Slot dislikes teams playing a low block against them, Liverpool might have to deploy a similar tactic if they are to get anything against Madrid.Liverpool’s defence needs to prove their worthBased on recent form and performances, there is a strong chance that Real Madrid run away with this game, meaning Liverpool’s defence needs to be on top form.Virgil van Dijk needs to lead by example, while Ibrahima Konate needs to remain resolute alongside him, especially if he is going to use this game as an audition for the summer.The two full-backs will also have a huge role to play given how dangerous their two wingers are, hence why the Reds might be defending a lot more than they will be attacking in this one.Giorgi Mamardashvili will also be called upon a lot for this one, with the Georgian’s shot-stopping, which is usually very good, something that he will need to prove once again.