“We’re not afraid” – Midfielder ready for ‘special game’ against Liverpool, has ‘nothing to prove’ against Reds

Having belonged to English clubs between 2007 and 2015, it’s fair to say Adel Taarabt knows the Premier League very well.

Featuring for the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Queens Park Rangers and Fulham, the midfielder’s career has been full of ups and downs until settling at Benfica, for whom he’s been playing since 2019.

Now as the Eagles face Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday night, he was the one to speak to the local media regarding the team’s big challenge ahead.

The midfielder was first asked if Portuguese clubs are able to compete against Liverpool, and Taarabt had no doubts about that.

“Of course we can. I think we can do it. Of course it’s a team we have to respect, but we’re not afraid of them. We know their quality and we hope to be at our best,” said Taarabt (via Record).

Then following a few questions about his time in the Premier League and his knowledge about Liverpool, Taarabt was asked if he has something to prove when he plays against English clubs.

“It’s a special game because I played in England, but I have nothing to prove, just to myself and my team. It’s a special occasion and I have to be at my best.”

Since joining Benfica, Taarabt has two goals and 12 assists in 122 appearances.

The club he played the most in his career continues to be QPR, for whom he made 164 games.