Premier League and Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has labeled Liverpool the “best team in Europe” following their commanding 2-0 victory over defending champions Real Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday.
The Reds secured the win with second-half goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo, while Kylian Mbappe missed a penalty that could have drawn the visitors level. Liverpool’s dominant performance propelled them to the top of the Champions League table with 15 points.
The Premier League leaders were all over their Spanish counterparts throughout the 90 minutes, staying in the ascendancy and creating the bulk of the game’s goal-mouth action with 17 shots on goal compared to Real Madrid’s 8 shots.
Ferdinand, who spent 12 hugely successful seasons with Liverpool’s arch rivals Manchester United, was left impressed by the Reds’ commanding display against the Kings of Europe.
“They have put the gauntlet down to all the other teams in Europe. They look like the best team in Europe at the moment,” he told TNT Sports.
“They are playing as a team; they look like they have the hungriest individuals about. They are not only getting the results, but they look starving.
“They look like they haven’t been fed for ages. He’s sending them out like Rottweilers on the pitch, hunting teams down.
“They’ve got the composure; they’ve got people like Mo Salah who have the killer instinct to finish games off. I thought all their players performed very well.
“I said before the game that Arne Slot would have liked what his team can produce in a game of this magnitude against the Champions League winners, and he got a very positive answer.”
Up next for Liverpool is a top of the table clash with struggling Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday, December 1 at Anfield. Given the current situation that both teams find themselves in, the Merseyside Club will certainly be heading into this tie with a lot of confidence.
Olaoluwa is a dedicated sports writer and passionate football enthusiast with two years of experience. Known for his keen analysis and commitment to the game, his work reflects a deep love for football, blending strategic insight with the emotional moments that make it a global passion. He is focused on honing his skills and consistently aims to inspire and engage readers through every article he writes.
