Guy Demel was 1.88 meters tall, while Dutch center-back Mathijsen stood at 1.83.
Klopp made it clear to Wang Shuo that this center-back pairing was one Martin Jol had "tailor-made" just for him.
Their usual starting center-back pairing was Mathijsen and the 1.94-meter-tall Reinhard.
But the towering center-back had played in the UEFA Cup midweek, so he was rotated out for this match, with Guy Demel partnering Mathijsen instead.
Why make such a change?
Reinhard excelled at direct defending and winning aerial duels, but at 33 years old, he lacked the stamina for a war of attrition.
Most importantly, he was too clumsy.
So, for Wang Shuo, the key to this match was figuring out how to attack the space behind the defense!
Wang Shuo, however, was eager for the challenge.
Empowered by his Intercontinental Level [Breathing], his mind was exceptionally clear, taking in every movement around him.
