Liverpool have been backed to “give a good level” when they take on Real Madrid in the Champions League this week, despite a difficult campaign so far.
Jurgen Klopp’s side find themselves in 9th place in the Premier League after 21 games of the season and nine points outside of the top four.
It’s been a dramatic fall from grace for a side who nearly finished last season as quadruple winners after a superb season in league and cup.
The Reds have been nowhere that level this season but it is hoped a recent win over rivals Everton has stopped the rot and can set up a stronger second half of the campaign.
That remains to be seen but journalist Álvaro Benito has backed them to offer their best when they host Real Madrid at Anfield on Tuesday, simply because it’s the Champions League.
“The Champions League is something else. I think Liverpool will give a good level, despite the season they’ve had,” he told Cadena SER.
“These are the games of the season, and we’ll see if there are more, but they are the ones that clubs, players and coaches put all their energy into.”
How Liverpool perform against Madrid, the team that beat them in the Champions League final last season, will surely be dependent on if Virgil van Dijk is back for the game.
He is currently battling his way back from a six week absence, with Jurgen Klopp admitting he could make this weekend’s clash with Newcastle United.
If the Dutchman does feature in that game it would suggest he will be in the starting line up for the clash with Madrid, such is his importance to the Reds.
Benito is a huge fan of the player, claiming Liverpool’s defending will be changed if he is not in the team.
“Without him, Liverpool defend in a different way, with much more concern when it comes to throwing the line wildly in the opposition half, when it comes to pressing,” he added.
“They know he’s an incredible player in the duel, and he’s a tremendous cold-blooded offside player. I haven’t seen any other player in Europe who does that so well.”
