Sevilla vs Inter: Four Key Battles to Shape the Europa League final

While many may have been hoping for the narrative of a trio of former Manchester United players potentially coming up against their old employers with Inter in the Europa League final, it was tournament specialists Sevilla that ultimately set up a final with Antonio Conte's side.

We many not see the likes of Ashley Young, Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku attempting to get one over on their old club, but there are still plenty of talking points and key battles worth watching in what promises to be a hard-fought finale.

Though it may be Sevilla that are expected to dictate much of the play - boasting more possession than any other side in the tournament - it's certainly difficult to overlook Inter's fearsome front two up against a sought after centre-back pairing, and that's where we start.

Diego Carlos vs Romelu Lukaku

While Sevilla may have booked their place in the final, one man whose reputation perhaps hasn't been enhanced in the last week is Carlos, who has attracted interest from just about every top Premier League club this summer. The Brazilian has certainly had some practice were he to make the move to England, but in meetings with both Wolves and Manchester United this month his memorable mark on said matches has been to concede a penalty in each.

Certainly one to shy away from a physical battle, it's telling that Carlos has committed more fouls than he has produced tackles in both LaLiga and the Europa League this season. He's been booked three games running and he'll need to be less rash in the challenge - particularly in the box - tonight.

Strikers don't come much more physical  than Romelu Lukaku after all, and the Belgian has his sights on a potential Golden Boot - needing two to catch United's Bruno Fernandes - despite only entering the tournament at the knockout phase. He's scored in a record-breaking ten Europa League games running and could become the first player to score in every single knockout match available.

Jules Kounde vs Lautaro Martinez

If Carlos has looked a little erratic at times, his defensive partner - six years his junior - Jules Kounde has been far from it. The 21-year-old Frenchman has been key to Sevilla's dominance of possession in the competition, completing 93.1 per cent of a considerable 77.8 passes per game, and limiting his influence in the build up will be key.

For all of his attacking threat, scoring seven times across the Champions and Europa League this season, Martinez's defensive work rate really stood out in a man of the match display against Shakhtar. Conte will want more of the same from the Argentine in a battle between two of the top young talents in their respective positions around.

Ever Banega vs Nicolo Barella

Set for Saudi Arabian outfit Al Shabab upon the end of his contract, this will be Banega's final game of a second stint at Sevilla, fittingly coming in a final against one of his former employers Inter. The playmaker enjoyed a productive spell in Milan only to be offloaded back to his current club after one season and he'll be desperate to prove a point having excelled in European competition in particular since his return.

This season has been no different, with Banega averaging 3.5 key passes and 4.2 dribbles per 90, so keeping his quiet - something those before them have failed to now - will be a priority for Inter. Step forward the all action Nicolo Barella, who has enjoyed a fine first season in Milan and enhanced his reputation as a future stalwart of the Italian national team.

The 23-year-old isn't the creator that Banega is, despite what a delightful cross for Martinez's semi-final opener might suggest, but he buzzes around in the middle of the park and gets from box-to-box regularly. His average of 3.2 tackles per 90 in European competition this season may well be required to restrict the flow of Sevilla's midfield mastermind.

Suso vs Ashley Young

While Banega may be the man to stop in the Sevilla engine room, if there's one player Inter fans will desperate doesn't have a decisive impact it's Suso. The former AC Milan favourite enjoyed a successful spell in Italy prior to a loan move back to his homeland and has since joine Sevilla on a permanent deal.

The winger has made an indifferent start in LaLiga but has been a mainstay in the Europa League knockout phase and has scored three goals against Inter in the past. Veteran converted wing-back Ashley Young will be the man tasked with thwarting the Spaniard and has made a bigger impact than many may have expected in Italy.

Ruled out of the final three years ago when Manchester United were triumphant over Ajax, the 35-year-old will be keen to make his mark this time around and pose Suso and former Manchester rival Jesus Navas - another former winger - problems of their own too.