Rafael Benitez has warned Liverpool that they’ll have to contain Real Madrid trio Karim Benzema, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior if they want to win the Champions League.
In an interview with AS, Benitez warns Liverpool that the three players are the dangermen for the Spanish Champions.
“Real Madrid has relied on the experience of its midfield to take advantage of the quality and movements of Benzema, together with the imbalance of Vinicius,” said the former Liverpool manager.
“But also Rodrygo or Camavinga have given him energy, success and balance when they have played. From the outset, it is obvious that Benzema, Vinicius and now Rodrygo will be the players to watch for Liverpool.”
The three were the key men as Madrid put paid to Manchester City’s hopes of reaching the final earlier in the month. Liverpool will have to be on top of their game to keep them quiet in Paris.
Karim the dream
Real Madrid obviously have quality all over the pitch. In Benzema and Vinicius though, they have two of Europe’s most impressive players of the season.
Benzema’s successes have been well-documented this season and he looks likely to be in line to be rewarded with a maiden Ballon d’Or victory.
Pitting Europe’s most in-form striker against the immovable object that is Virgil Van Dijk will be special to watch.
Vinicius has form against The Reds
Vinicius on the other hand is blossoming into a real threat on the left-hand side. The 21-year-old has 20 goals and 16 assists in all competitions this season.
Liverpool know all about his talents. The Brazilian’s double in Madrid proved decisive in sending The Reds out of the Champions League last season.
It may be that Klopp decides to tweak his defensive line a little in order to combat his speed in behind.
As for Rodrygo, he is more of an unknown. Another young Brazilian, he isn’t an especially regular starter for Carlo Ancelotti and he’s not particularly prolific when he does play. But his two late goals to knock City out show that he has a big moment in him.
They aren’t the only threats for Madrid of course. If Liverpool keep Benzema and Vinicius quiet though, they’ll have a good chance of winning the game. Meanwhile, The Reds have one or two threats of their own that Real would do well to keep in mind.
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